Obituary - Ann Calhoun
Ann Ward was born in the State of Alabama Feb. 29, 1812. She came with her mother to Illinois when very small, settling near Golconda in Pope County. She was left an orphan at 7, spending several years thereafter in the family of a Mrs. Hancock; later she became a member of the household of John Raum, father of General Green B. Raum.
She was married to John S. Copeland in 1835. His death occurred after a few years, she was left a widow with 4 small children. She afterwards married George E. Calhoun, of this county, and for the past 40 years has been known to our people as Aunt Ann Calhoun. About 20 years ago, Mr. Calhoun died.Since that occurred, she has made her home with relatives, spending much of her time with her grand-daughter, Mrs. P. T. Chapman, of Vienna.
Mrs. Calhoun was a sister of the late Pleasant L. Ward, a major of the Mexican War and an influential and widely known citizen of southern Illinois. A sister, Mrs. Louisa Morrow, only surviving member of the family, is now living in Los Angeles, California at the advanced age of 90 years. Her 3 sons, all of whom served as soldiers for the cause of the Union in the Civil War and her daughters, have preceded their mother to the great beyond.
Grandma Calhoun was the oldest resident of Johnson County, coming to Vienna when there were only two houses on the site of the present town. Her stories and reminiscences of the early days were both instructive and entertaining, making her a welcome guest in many homes and a valued addition to any company.
Her death occurred in this city on Dec. 20, 1904 at the residence of Hon. P. T. Chapman at the age of 92 years 9 mos. 20 days.
For the past 50 years she has been a consistent member of the Christian Church and was loved and respected for her charity and deeds of kindness by all who knew her. We spoke of the funeral services and the relatives from abroad who attended last week.
Submitted by: Deborah Ward McArdle,
jjmcard@mc.net
Source: The Vienna Times, Vienna, Illinois 29 December 1904
(Vienna Library microfilm, 9/2001)
