Mary Cordelia Demmon

The following, published in the Lusk Herald, is courtesy of the Wyoming Newspaper Project

Obituary
Mary Cordelia Pennock Demmon, beloved wife of Orson J. Demmon, died at the family residence on Elm Street, Thursday night at 10 o'clock aged 61 years, 2 months and 2 days.

In her death Wyoming loses one of the oldest settlers, one of 44 years' standing, Mrs. Demmons having come to the state and settled in Cheyenne in the year 1867. Nine years later she moved to the old town of Silver Cliff, and came to Lusk when the townsite was laid out almost twenty-five years ago, and has been a citizen of this town since that time. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, January 28, 1850 and on November 5, 1867, was united in marriage to Mr. Demmon in Boulder County, Colorado.

Of the thirteen children born to them, eleven survive their mother and mourn her loss; LeRoy D. of Barnwall, Canada; Edward P. and William R. of Salida, Colo.; Orson D. and Bert L. of Alberta, Canada; Evan D. of Effinghan, Kan.; Homer P., Alvin G., Mrs. Geo. Saffell, Mrs. F. J. Montague and Mrs. Arthur Harris all of Lusk.

Mrs. Demmon was a familiar figure to the citizens of Lusk in the summer months, during the last few years, as she used to bring her chair out on the sidewalk and enjoy the afternoon shade in front of her old home. She had suffered patiently for a number of years with heart trouble and lately was affected with dropsy, which was the cause of her death. Her home life was as nearly perfect as could be; her devotion could not be doubted after having raised such a large family; her friends and neighbors testify to her worth; she had a smile and a good word for everybody and everybody loved her. What more need be said? She loved and was loved in return.

Funeral services were held at the Congregational church last Saturday afternoon, and there was a tremendous outpouring of citizens to do honor to her memory. The Rev. R. R. Shoemaker of Douglas, conducted the services and delivered an appropriate sermon. Two of Mr. Demmon's favorite hymns were sung by the choir, viz., "We'll soon be at home over There" and "The Sweet By-and-bye;" Miss Blevins sang feelingly the deceased's favorite hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light!" The Oddfellows turned out in a body, thus showing their sympathy for their fellow member, brother Demmon. The pall-bearers were; H. C. Snyder, Ed. M. Arnold, P. E. Barber, Ed. C. Daley, A. D. Reed and J. D. Lorenzen.

The remains were interred in the Lusk cemetery.

Card of Thanks
To the kind friends who assisted us in the hour of our bereavement, the loss of our dear wife and mother; to the choir and to our brother Odd Fellows, we want to say "God bless you."

Orson J. Demmon and children

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