Death claimed another Nebraska pioneer with the passing away of Mrs. James Matthews at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ben Wachter, last Friday night. She had been in failing health for a number of years and a few weeks ago, she suffered a stroke of paralysis of which she never fully recovered.

Linda J. Fletcher was born near Bangor, Maine, October 26, 1855 and died at Herman, Nebr., May 21, 1927, at the age of 71 years, 6 months and 25 days. She came to Nebraska in 1864 and resided near Blair. Later she, with her father and brother, moved to a homestead near Herman, where they lived for a number of years. She was married to James Matthews August 5, 1880 and to this union four children were born one passing away in infancy.

She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, one son and two daughters, Harry F. of Woodriver, Neb., Mrs. Ethel Wachter and Mrs. Edna Thone, of Herman.

Mrs. Matthews was of quiet, kind disposition and one who had many friends. She was a faithful wife and a loving, sacrificial mother to her children. She united with the Baptist Church while quite young and through her life she strove to practice the principles of her Lord and Savior. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Baptist church, Rev. Reese officiating. Mrs. Z. P. Parrish, Miss Eledyce Godsey, C. R. Gray and L. D. Hanson, with Mrs. L. V. Ackerman at the piano, furnished the music. Interment was made in the New England Cemetery.

#2 Published in the May 26, 1927 - The Tribune

Linda J. Fletcher was born Oct. 26th, 1855 near Bangor, Maine, and died at the age of 71 years 6 months and 25 days. She came to Nebraska in 1864, and resided near Blair, but later with her father and brother moved to a homestead near Herman where she lived for a number of years. She was married to James Matthews August 5th, 1880, and to this union four children were born, one dying in infancy. These living are: Harry of Wood River, Nebraska; and Mrs. Ethel Wachter and Mrs. Edna Thone, both of Herman, who with their father are left to mourn her death. Mrs. Mathews had been in failing health for several years and the last year was spent with her daughters who helped care for her. The funeral was held at 2 o’clock Sunday at the Baptist church, Rev. T. J. Reese officiating. Burial was in the New England cemetery.

Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Blair Public library.