The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, May 4, 1905 MRS. FRANCES SPROTT, widow of the late J.W. SPROTT, died suddenly at her home in Derby on Sunday evening, April 23, 1905.  She was stricken with apoplexy and expired within a few minutes.  The Lucas Ledger speaks of her as follows: "FRANCES A. BROWN was born April 24, 1830, in Fayette County, Pa.  She came to Iowa with her parents when but fifteen years of age, settling in Lee County, near Keokuk.  She was married to JOS. W. SPROTT March 24, 1853 and moved to Lucas County in 1858, where she has since resided.  Five children survive her; ELIZABETH MITCHELL, JOAN CHAPMAN, LAURA PARKIN, KATE ROBISON, ALICE WASHBURN, and one brother CHAS. BROWN, of Montrose, Iowa, all of whom were present at the funeral services.  Her only son THOS. L. died in 1877.  She also leaves twenty-five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. MRS. SPROTT was one of the pioneer settlers of Union Township, and was known and loved by a large circle of friends, many of whom had enjoyed the hospitality of her home or received material benefits from her generous hand.  She was most wonderfully devoted to her home and family, whose constant care was ever on her mind.  She was a firm believer in a Spiritual existence -- that when she left this world it would be to join the loved ones gone before who awaited her over there.  She was a great lover of flowers.  Her death occurred as the Easter lilies budded forth.  May her spirit dwell where the flowers never cease to bloom. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at one o'clock, conducted by Rev. Pressly.  Interment was made at Last Chance." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert August 18, 2004 http://www.rootsweb.com/~ialucas/Main.htm posted at this site with Nancee's permission