Griffith, Rachel Emily 1845-1917

GRIFFITH, JAMES, ROBERTS

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/26/2016 at 08:58:05

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - August 3, 1917 - Rachel Emily James was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, February 11, 1845. At the age of sixteen she moved with her parents to Carlisle, Iowa, and in 1871 she married Foster Thomas Griffith and settled in Buena Vista county, Iowa, in which vicinity she has since resided. Two children were born to them, Laura May Roberts of Storm Lake and Clarence James Griffith of Wendell, Idaho, both of whom survive their mother.

Mr. Griffith died November 11, 1892, since which time Mrs. Griffith has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Roberts.

Mrs. Griffith was born of Quaker parentage which together with a strong religious temperament gave a decidedly spiritual bent to her life. She joined the church at the age of 13. Much of her life she was in charge of a Sunday school class and active in the work of the W.C.T.U. the home and foreign missionary societies, and every other good cause found in her a friendly advocate.

In early days of their residence in this county her home was the place for holding religious meetings and many a time their grainery served the purpose of a sanctuary. Though small of stature, she had a remarkably strong constitution and was accustomed to the accomplishment of heavy labors. Her later years were characterized with physical disability which rendered her quite helpless. But no physical weakness could efface the cheery glint of her countenance nor the happy disposition of her soul. Her contentment was the natural fruitage of a life well spent.

According to those who knew her in earlier years she was the one to plan the good times for the young people and her home was always open to them. It was her basket at the picnic that always had something for those that had less. It was her small form that presented itself at the neighbors door in times of sickness and sorrow. It was her sympathetic nature that made it easy for young and old to find in her a worthy confident. It was her firm confidence in Christ that gave poise to her life and crowned her a conqueror in death.

She passed away July 30, 1917, aged seventy-two years.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Episcopal church on Wednesday morning at ten thirty, Rev. R.T. Chipperfield, D.D., delivering the sermon. Interment was made in the Storm Lake cemetery.