Matilda Flood, my 2nd great grandma on RootsMagic tree

Matilda Elizabeth Flood was the oldest daughter of William and Delia Angell Flood. She was born in Shell Rock, Iowa in Butler County on February 26, 1858. Her family lived on a farm, she had 4 sisters and 2 brothers. On March 2, 1883 Matilda married Richard Mockford. They farmed near Allison and had 2 daughters plus a son who died as an infant.

On February 28, 1907 maybe as birthday party for Matilda, “Mr. and Mrs. Mockford were completely surprised Friday evening, when a party of their neighbors and friends dropped in on them in a body to spend the evening. Though surprised, they were equal to the occasion, and very gladly joined in to make the evening a most enjoyable one. After participating in games and various amusements for a time, a dainty lunch was served and when the guests departed for their several homes, we can say on good authority that it was not a very early hour.”

Matilda was a widow in 1910. In 1931 on her 73rd birthday, her friends and family held another surprise party for her. Matilda lived on her own from age 52 to her 70s, then with a grandson until her death at age 82. Daughter Philippa and family lived close by. Matilda is buried at Lowell Cemetery in Allison, Iowa.

Sources

• US Federal census records at FamilySearch.org
• Iowa (Greene) recorder newspaper digital archives, 1931 Mar 4 Page 2 of 8 column 3 midway bottom Allison.