Cora Ann Meeker

LAST RITES FOR CORA ANN MEEKER HELD ON TUESDAY

Death called another of the early day pioneers of the west last Saturday, June 1, 1940, when Mrs. Cora Meeker passed away at the Manring home in Lusk. Several months ago the aged lady fell and fractured a hip and had been confined to her bed since, due to her advanced years and the infirmities of her years she failed to rally from the injury and gradually failed until death came. She was 77 years, six months and one day of age.

Cora Ann Wilcox was born at Hooks Point, Iowa, November 30, 1864. Her mother passed away while Cora Ann was an infant and she was cared for by older sisters and brothers moving to Missouri where they resided for several years, and she grew to young womanhood. While living in Missouri she was united in marriage to George Meeker in 1879 and they migrated to the Black Hills country of South Dakota in 1882, traveling by ox team. Nine children were born to bless this union.

In 1917 the family located in Niobrara county and resided here until the following year, moving to Gering, Nebraska where Mr. Meeker passed away in 1922. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Meeker had made her home with her daughters Mrs. Joe Eutsler and Mrs. Charles H. Eutsler in the Little Lightning community until a year ago when she came to Lusk to make her home.

She is survived by two sons, Frank, of Gering, Nebr., Elmer of California; and four daughters, Mrs. Joe Eutsler, of Manville; Mrs. Harold Eutsler of Laramie; Mrs. Flora Truman of Gillette; and Mrs. Clarence Godbey of Yoder, Wyoming. Also 28 grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by three sons, John Albert, Lesley Bryon and Charles Nelson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 4, 1940, at the Peet Mortuary in Lusk, with Rev. M.H. Marshall officiating. Pall bearers were Orville Dryer, Don Dryer, Leo Eutsler, Leo Eutsler, Jr., Earl Eutsler and Jim McAllister. Burial was made in the Lusk cemetery.

Mrs. Meeker was a typical pioneer woman, with love and loyalty for her family and friends. In spite of the early day hardships she found much to be thankful for, and her cheering smile and friendly word brought happiness to many. For many years while residing with her daughters, she was country correspondent from the Little Lightning community for The Herald.

Notes from Family Source Randy Eutsler:
Cora was not really an infant when her mother died. She was almost 4 yrs old. She also wasn't taken care of by older siblings. There were only 3 children born to her parents, and her father never remarried as far as I can find. She had 2 brothers, 1 a year older and 1 that was 3 yrs younger. After the death of her mother, her father moved in with his older brother and family.

Cora's mother was Priscilla (Unknown maiden name) Wilcox, born in 1838, and died October 23, 1868. She is buried in Neese Cemetery in Homer, Hamilton, Iowa. Her headstone reads "Priscilla, wife of Cha's Wilcox, died Oct. 23, 1868, aged 30 years".

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