Mary Jane Hill was born January 11th 1844 at Salem, Marion county, Illinois. She was the eldest daughter of John G. and Elizabeth Hill. She resided in Illinois until 11 years of age then with her parents moved to Memphis, Scotland county, Missouri and lived there during the stirring times of the war of the Rebellion. Many were the tales she could relate of the horrors of war. As Missouri was about equally divided between the Unions and Rebels, it made it an especially hard place to live, as often times their nearest neighbor would be their worst enemy. During these perilous times she learned bravery, the bravery of a soldier in battle, and the bravery of a soldier in battle, and it was one of the main attributes of her character through the many battles of her life.

At the close of the war she married Captain John L. Harmon, Captain of 51st Regiment of Missouri Cavalry. He served five years in the Union Army and was honorably discharged in August, 1865. To this union was born three daughters, Mrs. Mattie Easterday and Jessie Hill now of Eustis, Nebr., and Mrs. Nellie Finley of Blue Mound, Kansas. She lost her companion by death July 9th, 1873. His interment being made at Rock Island, Illinois.

She was a widow two years, then married Jas. Roberts, August 2, 1875. To this union were born twin daughters Mrs. Ivy McElwain of Eustis, Nebr. and Mrs. Myrtle Cline of Kesler, Canada, also two sons Orville of Maxwell, Nebr., and Ross of Moorefield, Nebr.

They moved from Missouri to Iowa and later to Nebraska. Here she resided until her death which occured April 24th, 1917, at Farnam, Nebr. She being at the time of her death, 73 years, 3 months and 13 days.

She contracted La grippe several months ago and never recovered from the effects of it until she was taken with pneumonia which ended her earthly life after a few days suffering.

She leaves to mourn her demise one aged companion, five daughters, two sons, 30 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, 2 brothers and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church in Farnam Wednesday afternoon at 1:30; after which the remains were taken to Eustis for burial.

The Farnam Echo 14(20):1 Thursday, April 26, 1917