From the obituary of Mary Jane Reneau Oxley: This is from a clipping found in the material from Irwin Oxley. Do not know which paper it was.

"Surrounded by all her children, Mrs. Mary Oxley passed away at fifteen minutes after five last Saturday morning, being nearly 81 years of age. It had been known for some days that her end was near. She was one of the oldest settlers of Linn County, having come to Iowa in 1848. She outlived her husband some 17 years. The funeral was held Monday afternoon, a brief service at the house at two o'clock, the public service being held at half past two in the Methodist church of which the deceased was a member. The pastor, L.D.Stubbs, assisted by the Rev. R.A. Brough, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and former pastors, W.H.Doner and W.N.Chaffee, conducted the service. A quartet of singers composed of Mesdames J. D. Graham and C.B.Doudna and Messrs. J.T.Yocom and Ralph Doudna, with Miss Helen Grahan, accompanist, rendered the music. Undertaker Pearson was in charge of the funeral. The church was well filled with sympathizing neighbors and friends. The departed was laid to rest in the Springville cemetery.

Those in attendance from out of town besides the family, were Mr and Mrs. A.M. Secrist, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Oxley, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Oxley, Frank Gray and Mr Elihu Ives, all of Marion and Mrs. Chadwick of Anamosa.

Mary Reneau, daughter of Jesse and Mary Reneau, was born in Monroe Co., Indiana, August 6, 1830. She passed to her eternal reward July 22, 1911, at the advanced age of 80 years, 11 months and 15 days.

The subject of this memoir was of a family of six children- 3 sons and 3 daughters. The three brothers with the parents having proceeded her in death. The two sisters, Mrs. J.S. Butler of Springville, and Mrs. Sarah Paul of Muskegon, Michigan, are the only surviving members of her father's family.

The deceased grew to a young womanhood in her native state, coming to Iowa with her parents in 1848. She was married to J.M.Oxley in Springville, January 24,1850. In 1854 this young couple settled upon their farm one and one-half miles northwest of Springville, having lived with his mother two miles southwest of Springville the few previous years of their married life. But upon their home farm they spent thirty-seven of the most happy years of their married life together. It was here that their family of two sons and five daughters were reared and grew to manhood and womanhood, and with one exception, all were married.

Mr and Mrs Oxley moved to town in 1891, with the youngest daughter, the only one remaining at home. On April 21, 1894 the husband and father departed this life, being followed some 8 years later by his son, E.M., May 24, 1902 and one daughter, Martha Gill, November 19, 1906. The surviving children are, Mrs. Josephine White of Rolfe, E.T. of Dana; and Mrs. Cora Stone,Mrs Althea Beck ,and Mrs Alberta Pickering, of Springville Iowa.

These together with 24 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, mourn the loss of one of the best of mothers.

"Grandma Oxley" a term by which she was so familiarly and generally known, as has already been indicated was devoted to her home, the happiest days of her life being on the farm with her children about her.

She was a true friend to all her neighbors, in fact never turned ny in need from her door without tangible sympathy. No sacrifice was too great or task too severe for her to undertake for her dear ones, her neighbors and friends. In disposition she was patient, uncomplaining, always ready to put a bright interpretation on the unpleasant things of life. Perhaps no better insight into her character can be shown that by two clippings taken from her bible, placed there by her own hands, with many others, the first of which reads, "But one needs not to do, but to be, in order to obtain eternal life. It is the heart and not the deeds that admit one to heaven" Thus showing how she valued personal faith. But lest any should think she valued lightly good deeds, note this other quotation. "Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted flower when I thought a flower would grow."

Mother Oxley was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Springville, during the first pastorate of the Rev.I.K.Fuller, 1857 to 1858. She has ever been a devoted member, faithful attendant until failing health debarred some five years ago, and a loyal supporter of the church and its various benevolences. She was most appreciative of the visit of her pastors and the kindly attention of her physician. Concerning these she often spoke in therms of praise and held them in her highest regards and respect. Truly none enjoyed better than she to converse upon tings pertaining to the Christian life for often she led the conversation in this direction herself. To her dear ones and friends here is left no doubt as to her abundant preparation to respond to her Father's call, " Come up higher,' and receive the welcome plaudit " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."

It was a great joy and comfort to her departed to have with her most of the time during the last three weeks which she was confined to her bed, all of her children, including her daughter-in-law, Mrs. E.M. Oxley, and her sister Mrs. Butler, who left nothing undone possible to her comfort. For some eight years she has had the most devoted attention and care by her daughter, Mrs. Pickering. She was usually clear in her thought for one of her age and health, retaining her consciousness almost continuously up to within a few hours of death.

The bereaved wish to express in connection with this memoir their sincere gratitude for , and earnest appreciation of the kindly assistance and sympathies of their neighbors and friends during the late sickness and death of their beloved mother and sister."