Mrs. Martha J. Hardy Obituary

New Ipswich Historical Society

December 7, 1926

NEW IPSWICH

Resident Over 60 Years

Mrs. Martha J. Hardy, a resident of New Ipswich for over 60 years, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the home of her son, William E. Hardy, in Ashby, Mass.

Mrs. Hardy was born in Worcester, Mass., Dec. 18, 1844, the daughter of Samuel and Betsy May. She was married April 9, 1861, to George Henry Hardy. They had 10 children, seven of whom are living, Charles H., Frank E., and Walter E. Hardy of New Ipswich; Mrs. Willis Mansfield of Spencer, Mass., William A. and Arthur E. Hardy of Ashby, and George F. Hardy of Clearwater, Fla.

Mr. Hardy died a few years ago at the age of 83 years. Since his death Mrs. Hardy has made her home with her son William in Ashby.

Mrs. Hardy joined Watatic Grange in New Ipswich April 19, 1905, and remained an honored member until her death. She had led an industrious life and being very skillful with her needle she fashioned many beautiful pieces of art work, She won first prize on an embroidered center-piece and second prize on a crochceted[sic] piece at the Grange fair in Ashby last summer. She also made rugs and bed quilts of artistic design.

Mrs. Hardy is survived by her seven children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rev. Mr. McKean of West Townsend, Mass., officiated at the funeral services, which were held at the home of her son Walter here Thursday afternoon. Watatic Grange gave a large wreath of flowers. Burial was in Center cemetery.

Photo Archives

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Watatic Grange Sept. 11, 1899

Photo of Grange members photographed in front of the old Town Hall on Main Street.

Who are they?

For extra credit transcribe the names of the people in the photograph as a comment. Note that Mae, David, Hamish and James Roger are all in the photo. Mrs. Hardy didn’t join till 1905.

James Roger diary entry

1^st April 1913

Cold, windy way [sic]; wind west, a slight flurry of snow in the morning. Mother better today. Dr. Jones called with the tonic today. David & Daniel at Spoffords' in the morning and clearing Balch’s orchard of brown tail moth's in forenoon, and went to Depot for freight for Mr. Barrett in the afternoon. I'll split some old wood in forenoon.

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