Source: Wabash Plain Dealer, March 7, 1923. Obituary.

AGED RESIDENT OF COUNTY DIES
Mrs. Abie Thorne, 98, Passes Away at Home on Chippewa Pike; Comes of Long-Lived Family.

Mrs. Abie Thorne, 98, one of the oldest residents in the county, died last night at 10:50 at her home on the Chippewa pike, north of the city. Her death was caused by an illness resulting from the infirmities of age.

Mrs. Thorne was born in Clinton county, Ohio, June 28, 1825, to Amos and Edith Cowgill. When she was ten years of age the family moved to North Manchester, Indiana. At that time there were only four houses in the town.

When a young woman she taught school, riding to her school in Laketon on horseback.

In 1851 she married Isaac Thorne. To them were born four children: Orr Thorne, who died a number of years ago; Thomas Thorne, dead 11 years; Lew Thorne, whose death occurred two years ago in California and Mrs. Geneva Emery, who with her daughter, Georgia Emery, have cared for Mrs. Thorne constantly for the past twelve years.

The family lived in North Manchester until 1875 when they moved to the present home.

In 1850 Mr. Thorne went to California during the gold rush. While he was gone Mrs. Thorne kept a millinery store in her home. She often made the remark during this time that she reared Thomas R. Marshall on her door step, as his mother would put him in his cart outside her door, for her to watch while his mother was busy.

Mr. Thorne passed away 23 years ago. Since that time she has devoted her life to her home and family. At the time of her death she was 97 years and 9 months old.

She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Geneva Emery, and three grandchildren: Georgie E. Emery, who with her mother has been with her; Mrs. Essie Thorne Stone of San Diego, Cal., and Raymond Thorne of San Francisco, Cal. Three great grandchildren: Jack Stone, Ramona and Annette Thorne.

She has one sister, Mrs. Rowena Harter of North Manchester, who is 81 years of age.

Two years ago there were five sisters living whose ages were all in the eighties and nineties. Six weeks ago her youngest sister, Mr. Ella Rhoades, died.

Mrs. Thorne has a birthright in the Quaker church.