This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hooker Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/BUB.2ACI/6022 Message Board Post: I found the following obit: May 2, 1896 Marion newspaper Mrs. Amanda Hooker Gardner Like a shock of corn fully ripe, matured by sun and wind and frost, rich, ripe and golden the freed spirit has been gathered into the heavenly garner. The husking peg of death tore off the earthly wrapper and the perfected redeemed spirit found itself welcomed into the presence of God. On April 20th 1818, there came a little daughter to a New York home at Angelica, named Amanda Hooker. The little life was the youngest of eight children loved and cared for by those about her. At the age of seven, she with her parents moved to Wattsbury, Penn., where her father soon died. Childhood passed into girlhood and that into young womanhood and when twenty-two years of age a new love came to crown her life. In sweet womanly confidence in 1839 she took the hand of William P. Gardner and became his bride. Her home was now in Kanesville, Illinois, having moved there in 1837. three children were born to the, J.W. now of Gowrie, John H, of the state of Wyoming, and Mary, now Mrs. Willard of this city. In 1852 the young couple left Pennsylvania and seeking Iowa made a home at Palo. Here many years were passed. Nineteen years ago Mrs. Gardner became a widow. She was fortunate in her home. Her daughter was from childhood her companion. When she married she remained at home. Whose home it was the daughter’s or the mother’s love never asked. Three heads in counsel, three beside the hearth proved a unit in all the daily plans of life. So mother, daughter and Mr. Willard lived in closest sympathy and regard. Nearly eight years ago the family removed to Marion. Somewhat feeble when she came more feeble as the years have gone by. Mrs. Gardner has lived a somewhat shut in life. But such her spirit that she could say, “We take with solemn thankfulness I would like to find the names of Amanda's parents and siblings. Amanda is buried in Palo, Iowa with a "Sheets"family Thanks for any help!