Eliza Jane Walker was born in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada, May 6th 1845 and died at her home in Farnam, Nebraska, March 10th, 1925 at 5 a.m., aged 79 years 10 months and 4 days almost four score years old.

She was married April 22nd, 1862 to John Ainlay at Ainlayville, Canada which was named after John Ainlay's father; when the name was changed to Brussels, Canada one street was called John in honor of John Ainlay. The name of Walkerton, Canada also derived it's name from John Walker, father of the deceased, which seems a strange coincidence in the history of the family.

In 1876 the family moved to Howard county, Nebraska. On leaving Brussels, Canada, many friends gathered to see them off, some crying, others pressing money in their hands for good luck.

After crossing the border as they were exchanging their Candadian money for that of the U.S., the clerk by mistake returned too much to Mr. Ainlay, who noticed it and tried to call attention to it but the clerk replied "we make no mistakes." No need to wonder why he was called "Honest John" by his friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ainlay with six children settled in Howard county, Nebraska on Canada Hill, so called because of the large number of Canadians settled there.

On March 13th, 1880 the family moved to Nance county where they resided for ten years on Timber Creek, near Red Wing post office. Many things of importance occurred here; of these perhaps the most outstanding was the efficient way in which "Mother" Ainlay began ministering to the needs of the community which were many in those pioneer days; she was especially helpful at the bed side of young mothers, having assisted at the birth of more than 80 children. In 1890 the family moved to Farnam, Nebraska where she continued to lend a helping hand to all who were in need.

Her generosity and hospitality were unexcelled and these characteristics remained with her through all her days. In their early married life Mr. and Mrs. Ainlay were frequently visited by the Indians who were generously fed until the larder was strained to the breaking point. She was accustomed to invite her callers to stay and "have a cup of tea and a bite to eat" and as the poet Burns expresses it "even the uninvited beggar was her guest."

For 12 years Mr. and Mrs. Ainlay with their family lived on their farm 2 miles west of Farnam; in 1902 because of Mr. Ainlay's physical condition it became necessary to leave the farm and they purchased their residence in the northwest part of town, where they spent the remaining years of their life.

Mr. Ainlay preceeded his wife in death June 27th, 1911.

As a wife, Mrs. Ainlay was always constant, as a mother, she was most devoted to her children.

"Grandma Ainlay," as she was familiarly called by her numerous friends, was the mother of fourteen children; one child died in infancy; Everett G. twin brother of Effie C. Richard died at the age of 10 months; Mrs. Mary Freeman passed away August 7th, 1903 and Mrs. Phoeba Hann departed this life February 12th, 1919.

The surviving children and their places of residence are as follows: Mrs. Eleanor Matchett, Guthrie, Oklahoma, Mrs. Rachel King, Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, Charles W. Ainlay, Mishawaka, Indiana, Benjamin J. Ainlay, Belgrade, Nebraska, Mrs. Effie Richard, Abarr, Colorado, Henry L. Ainlay, Hollywood, California, William J. Ainlay, Thomas Watson Ainlay, Mrs. Charlotte Fitch and Mrs. Lula McNickle of Farnam, all of whom were present with their mother when she passed away. She is also survived by forty seven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, having been preceeded in death by three grand children. Grandma Ainlay also leaves to mourn her loss, two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Mary Girvin, Mrs. Phoeba Holmes, Jerimiah Walker; one sister and six brothers having preceeded her in death.

She was converted in early life and united with the M.E. church in Canada. During her residence in this community she has been actively engaged in the work of the Congregational church. She was also much interested in the Rebekah Lodge to which she consitently gave of her time and energy.

After a number of years of suffering from paralysis, caused by a fall, in spite of all that loving hands could do, death came as a sweet relief.

During the funeral services which were held at the Community Hall Wednesday afternoon, March 12th at 2:30, all business houses were closed in honor of this well beloved friend.

Rev. J.E. Craig, pastor of the Congregational church officiated. Rev. Craig preached a comforting sermon to the bereaved using for his text the word "Mother" taken from Psalms 35:14. Her favorite songs were effectively rendered by McNickle Brothers Quartette, accompanied by Margaret McNickle. Her five sons and one son-in-law carried her remains to their last resting place beside her husband and daughter Mrs. Hann in Farnam Cemetery.

Source: The Farnam Echo, March 19, 1925