Harriet Ely

May 4, 1851 --- July 27, 1929

Renwick, Iowa, July 29 -- Harriet Ely was born in Wayne county, New York, to Henry H. and Nancy Caruthers Ely, May 4, 1851, a few years later with her parents moved to Michigan and later to Illinois. In 1877 she moved to Webster City with her four children. On Feb. 26, 188 was united in marriage to Hans Madson and in two years moved to their home one and a half miles north of Hardy, where they lived until eight years ago when they moved to Renwick. She suffered a stroke on March 28, 1926, from which she never recovered. She passed away July 27, 1929, at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 23 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband and six children, Ella Wilcox of San Francisco, Matie Bray, Earl, Wis., Anson Van Tassel of Woolstock, Leroy, an infant, Henry Van Tassel preceded her in death a few years ago, Ernest Hughes of Austin, Minn., and Anna Potter of Hardy, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild, and many other relatives.

She joined the Methodist church early in life and was a faithful worker until her sickness. She was a good friend to all who knew her. Her funeral was held from the home on Monday, July 29, at one o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. I. Jacobson, and was taken to Webster City where she laid to rest.

Those from a distance to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hughes of Austin, Minn., Miss Atta Ely of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maushaund of Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jensen of Swea City, Mr. and Mrs. Bartin Bensen, Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus Madson and daughter Ruby, all of Ringstead, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bray of Earl, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Madson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Claussen and family, Mr. and Mrs. Metz Nelson and Mr. and Mrs. Metz Rasmussen and families, all of Goldfield, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Meyers and Mrs. Mary Anderson.

The Humboldt Republican -- Humboldt, Iowa
31 July 1929

Harriet Ely

Hello Laura,
Hans and Harriet Madson ( the name was more often Madson instead of Madison) were living in Vernon Twp. in 1900 in the sw 1/4 of section 28 so there will be land records.By 1920 they were living in Renwick. I found a mention of them as being members of the Hardy Methodist Church around the turn of the century.The records for that church are not very good. I didn't check for a probate.
Their death records are at the county court house. Harriet died 27 July 1929; Hans died 30 August 1943. For some reason he is buried at Webster City. I assume that she is there also. Our genie group does not have the obituaries, but the local papers can be read on line. The local papers are on microfilm at Humboldt Public Library. We do have some of the Renwick papers on microfilm . They are also available at the Renwick Public Library.
The online address is http://humboldtpl.newspaperarchive.com
The username is humboldtpl
The password is archive

Sometimes I have to browse the date to find the articles because the name index won't do the work for me. I think that the Renwick papers are on line at a different site. I don't know the user name and password.

Martha S.

Harriet Ely was a sister to my great grandfather George Ely. Harriet moved to Knox co, Illinois with her mother Nancy Carothers Ely after the death of her father Henry Ely. Nancy Ely remarried to Silas Swarts. Nancy died in 1865. According to published Illinois marriage records Harriet married William Van Tassel in 1867. Harriet had four children with William, Henry, Mattie, Hester Ellen and Anson.
I don't know what happened to William but Nancy moved to Wright co, Iowa, presumably to be near her brothers who had come to Iowa after the Civil War. In 1880 she married David Hughes (1822-1888). Harriet and David had a son Ernest David (1881-1957). After David's death Harriet married Hans Madson and moved to Renwick in Humbolt county. Harriet and Hans had a daughter Anna (1888-1982).

Harriet (1852-1929) and Hans (1857-1943), are buried in Graceland cemetery, Webster City, Iowa.