Mary Ann Pitsenbarger was born in Pendleton County, West Virginia, July 6, 1840, and died at her home three miles west of Monmouth, January 23, 1921, age 80 years, 6 months, and 18 days. She migrated with her parents to Iowa in the fall of 1854. She was united in marriage to Samuel Propst of Virginia, June 30, 1858.

To this union eleven children were born: George and Ella dying in infancy-Clara Heath of Farnam, Nebraska, Dan of Libby, Montana, Eliza Maloney of Monticello, Iowa; Lydia Crawford of Sedgwick, Kansas Emma Garnett of Onslow, Iowa; Sam of Monmouth, Iowa; Jake and Frank of Wyoming, Iowa, and Roy residing at home. Of her family she leaves her aged husband, nine children, sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. All her family was with her when the end came except her son, Dan.

The funeral was held at the home Wednesday, January 26, at eleven A.M. conducted by Rev. D. Boomershine of Maquoketa, Iowa. The pallbearers were Isreal Edwards, Chas. Sinnet, Phil Snyder, Will Eye, John Allen and Jim Post.

On a beautiful knoll not far from her home she was laid in the silent "City of the Dead." There the ground is dotted with white marble stones each bearing the name of some worthy settler who came west in the middle of the last century, bringing with them no other capital than a pair of strong arms and a stout heart to make the prairie blossom as a rose. They are now nearly all gathered to their last long homes. Well may we bless the old stock who has gone before her. Well may we learn to walk in their footsteps to imitate their virtues and their lives. Standing over the mouldering dust of separated forebearers all we can do is to heave a sigh to heaven that a bountiful Lord may grant us to meet our loved ones beyond the stars.