Karin Carrie Nilsdotter Nyblom 1847–1920

Stratford Courier

March 4, 1920

RESPECTED AND AGED LADY PASSES TO HER REWARD SATURDAY

Mrs. Olof Westrum passed away Saturday night at her home here after having become suddenly ill in the morning. For many months deceased had been ailing though the most of the time she was able to be about her home. However, her death came as a saddening blow to the loved ones.

Deceased was one of those motherly old souls whose great joy during her declining years has been to watch over and care for those who were near and dear to her. And while she was able to work was continually doing some little act of goodness to those about her. Fifty years ago she came to this country and during these many years she has lived here and ministered to the wants of her family. Her passing comes as a blow to many, many people outside the immediate family, who loved her for her goodness of heart.

Carrie Newblom was born in Alfta, Halsingland, Sweden, June 17, 1847, and passed away peacefully to her Saviour February 28, 1920 at the ripe old age of 72 years, 8 months, 11 days. She was united in marriage in Sweden to Olof Westrum, November 11, 1866. Together with her husband she migrated to America in 1868 and came to Hamilton County in 1870 locating on a farm. At her death it was fifty years since she first came to this country. In 1903 they retired from active farming and moved into Stratford where she has since made her home. She was among the first settlers of southern Hamilton County and had always been highly respected and honored here where she had so long resided.

Their home was blessed with eight children, four sons and four daughters, one daughter having passed away in infancy. Those who are left to mourn are the aged husband; four sons, Peter O., Olof O., Nels O. and Jonas O., all of Stratford; three daughters, Mrs. A.C. Johnson of Ames, Mrs. Clarence Neese and Mrs. Theodore Carlson of Stratford; twenty-three grandchildren, one great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. Christina Nygren of Oregon; three brothers, Jonas Newblom of Flint, Mich., Joha Newblom of Black Hills, S.D., and Peter Newblom in Sweden. A large circle of friends and neighbors also mourn the death of a true friend.

She was confirmed in the Lutheran church in Sweden in 1862. Soon after her arrival in this country she was converted and baptized into the membership of the local Baptist church and in this her faith she remained until her death. She was a faithful wife and loving mother who diligently fulfilled her mission in the home and community.

Funeral services were held at the home and at the local Baptist church Tuesday afternoon and the remains laid to rest in South Marion Cemetery. Rev. J.A. Nordstrom in charge.