Mary Frances Langworthy Zinn was born at DeRuyter, N. Y., February 2, 1853, and died at Farina, Ill., June 22, 1926, at the age of 73 years, 4 months, and 20 days.
She was the fourth of six children born to Robert and Eliza Irish Langworthy, all of whom preceded her in death. Other members of the family were Elbert, Sarah Carlisle, Oliver, and Martha, and Charley, who died in infancy.
When she was three years old she came with her parents to their frontier home at West Hallock, Ill., the journey being made overland with team and wagon. Though young, she remembered and often recounted the crossing of Lake Michigan by boat.
At West Hallock she grew to womanhood, was baptized and became a member of the church of her faith. She taught several terms of school at West Hallock and elsewhere, her students and others familiar with her work bearing witness that she was more than ordinarily successful. A characteristic of her nature was not to be satisfied with present attainment, so from time to time as opportunity offered, she attended school to increase her efficiency in the profession in which she found so much satisfaction.
Shortly after her father's family came to Farina she followed to care for her mother. Here she became acquainted with Thomas Zinn, with whom she was united in marriage, May 13, 1878, by Rev. Wardner Titsworth who, with his young bride had recently moved here. This, the first marriage which he had solemnized, cemented a life long friendship between the young couples.
To Mr. and Mrs. Zinn were born five children: Oscar, who died when five months old; Mrs. Edna Stillman, of Pueblo, Colo.; Mrs. Ruth Stringer, of Milton, Wis., and Flora and Zea, of Farina.
This home, established almost a half century ago, has proved a tower of strength religiously, educationally, and socially. Until her own failing health and that of her husband prevented, she was an untiring worker in the church and its auxiliaries, especially the Ladies' Aid, in which she held office for many years.
For some months before her death she suffered severely from frequent attacks of acute indigestion. It was following such an attack on Sunday afternoon and night that she passed away. During the last four months of her life she was lovingly cared for by her youngest daughter, Zea, who gave up her position in the State Teachers' College at Charleston, Ill., that she might care for her parents.
She is survived by her husband, four daughters, five grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a large circle of intimate friends who mourn their loss.
Funeral services at the Seventh Day Baptist church, Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, were conducted by her pastor, Rev. C. L. Hill, and burial was made in the Farina cemetery. C. L. H.
