Crosby, Esther Maria "Etta" (Gemmill) died 1914

CROSBY, GEMMILL, ELDREDGE, PORTEOUS, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/10/2012 at 00:32:57

Postville Review, Friday, Jan. 30, 1914. From the Winthrop Review, Winthrop, Iowa, of Jan. 15, 1914.
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Mrs. John Crosby.

The announcement of the passing of Mrs. John Crosby on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Eldridge home in Masonville, brought sorrow to the hearts of a host of friends in Winthrop. A serious illness with which she had suffered for a long time caused her death, which came peacefully while she slept. Mrs. Crosby had been feeling better and was still planning on their trip South, but the sad and unexpected end came as a crushing blow to the devoted husband, father and sisters.

Esther Maria Crosby was the daughter of Geo. E. Gemmill. She was born at Howell, Mich., and came with her parents when a little child to Masonville, Iowa. After some years her father moved to Manchester, where he was in business for a number of years, going from there to Waterloo, and there Etta was married almost twentyone years ago to Mr. John Crosby of Postville.

There home was at Postville for ten years, when they moved to California for the benefit of the change of climate for Mrs. Crosby. She improved and about five years ago they returned to Iowa and Mr. Crosby went into business at Winthrop, which had been their home until last November when Mrs. Crosby's failing health made necessary a milder climate. Since then they had been staying at Masonville with Mr. Crosby's sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Eldredge, where every kindness was shown, hoping from week to week that the journey South could be taken. On New Year's Day she was especially happy and cheerful. Two days later she was taken down again and quietly went to sleep on last Saturday. Tho' no braver battle for life was ever fought, none with more patient persistence and uncomplaining effort, she lost.

Etta was a lovable girl, and as a girl and woman made warm friends always. Through all the long time of ill health she had been sweet and uncomplaining, always thoughtful of others. She found pleasure in making her friends happy by little acts of kindness. Mrs. Crosby was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and was an attendant of Congregational church here.

To mourn the loss of this dear one is left her faithful husband, who has cared for her with loving devotion; her father, who spent six weeks with her at the begining of the last sickness; two sisters--Mrs. A. E. Porteous of Mitchell, S.D., and Mrs. L. G. Campbell of Waterloo; the dear mother having passed away a little more than two months ago.

The funeral services were held in the Congregational church at Manchester on Tuesday afternoon. The officiating clergyman was Rev. C. S. Holland assisted by Rev. Fort and Rev. Moore, pastor of the Manchester Congregational church. Representatives of the Masonic order acted as pall bearers, and about thirty ladies of the Winthrop O.E.S. were present to pay their respects to one of their departed members. The body was commited to the vault in Oakland cemetery, Manchester.

The sympathy of the community is extended to the heartbroken husband, who so faithfully cared for his beloved wife.--Winthrop (Iowa) Review' Jan. 15th.

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As published.

Submitter is not related.

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