Lovisa Bliss SPOOR (Hepner) Obituary

Death Calls Pioneer Knox Mother

Mrs. Mathias T. Hepner, one of dearest old mothers and pioneer citizens of Knox, quietly passed to her reward at the family home on West Lake street, Friday night, Jan. 31, at 8:30 o'clock. She had been afflicted with paralysis for several months and death, therefore, brought the only possible relief. The devoted husband, all of the children and a number of near relatives were at the bedside when her saintly spirit winged its flight. Impressive funeral services, in charge of the old family friend and spiritual adviser, Elder Willis T. Loring, of Woodstock, Ill., assisted by Rev. J. A. J. Tannehill and Rev. F. H. Siefken, were conducted from the Free Methodist church Monday afternoon and interment was made at Oak Park cemetery. Hundreds of sorrowing friends were gathered at the church to pay their last respects to this Godly womam.

Lovisa Bliss Hepner, daughter of Thomas D. and Sarah M. Spoor, was born in Miami county, Ind., Feb. 9, 1840, and departed this life at the old family homestead in Knox, Ind., Jan. 31, 1919, at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 22 days. Early in life she removed with her parents to Pulaski county, and in 1848 to Starke county, Ind. She was united in marriage to Mathis T. Hepner, Jan. 2, 1861, and with the exception of a few month's residence in Pulaski county, lived here continuously until her death. Starke county was little more than a wilderness, dotted here and there with an occasional log cabin, when Mrs. Hepner and her people came to this section, and she therefore possessed an intimate knowledge of the history and development of our town and county. She knew all the hardships and privations of the early pioneer life and, having linked her fortunes with one of the nation's brave defenders, experiened all the anxieties and heartaches that was the common lot of so many brave-hearted wives and mothers in that trying period. But these experiences, though almost unbearable at times, only served to sweeten her disposition and strengthen that spirit of motherly sympathy which characterized her long and useful life. For nearly 58 years, Mrs. Hepner was the active, kind-hearted and loving mistress of her own home, dispensing a hospitality that was truly American and constantly submerging her own comforts and pleasures to promote those of her relatives and friends. Her whole life was one of unselfish service, thus exemplifying the highest precepts of the Master, and with it all she possessed a cheerful, optimistic spirit that warmed every heart and comforted many a troubled soul. In this respect she had but few equals and no peers.

During the summer of 1879 Mrs. Hepner was converted to the christian faith and soon thereafter, at the organization of the Knox Free Methodist church, became a charter member thereof. She held this membership for nearly 40 years and at all times lived a true, consistent christian life. To the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Hepner, which was comsumated in this city more than 58 years ago, five sons and three daughters were born. All of these children, excepting two sons who died in infancy, together with the aged husband and father, are left to mourn her death. They are: Mattie M. Garner of Chicago, Etta M. Page of Marshall, Mich., Dwight Hepner of Hammond, Harry G. Hepner of South Bend, Ollie D. Hepner, at home, and Norma L. Taylor of Knox. Surviving also are two sisters, Mrs. Helen Wilhelm of Chicago and Mrs. Dan Hildebrand of California toenship; an adopted sister, Mrs. Cordelia Nye, of Knox; one brother, Filmore T. Spoor, of Compton, Cal., 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many other relatives and a host of friends. Mrs. Hepner will always be remembered for the good she has done, and this, after all, is the richest legacy for those who honor and revere her name.

Source: Starke County Democrat, Knox, Indiana, Wednesday, 5 February 1919, p. 1