Emma (Chamberlain) Parsons 1852-1889

PARSONS, CHAMBERLAIN

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/26/2010 at 11:59:58

The Carroll Sentinel
Carroll, Iowa
27 Sep 1889
Page 5

Death of Mrs. E. M. Parsons.

This community was indeed sadly surprised to hear of the death of Mrs. E. M. Parsons at her home in this place Wednesday morning. It was known that she was ill, and that the trouble, neuralgia of the stomach, was very serious in its nature, but no one among the many friends who were constantly attending her could realize that death was so near. To the husband and sons who had been constantly with her and noting with loving solicitude every change, the blow was sudden and cruel, for they were entertaining strong hopes of a better change. Her illness began about three weeks before, but its grave nature was not comprehended until some ten days ago. Her sufferings were of the most painful character, and everything that skill and loving devotion could suggest was done to relieve her. She endured agonies with almost superhuman calmness, and the last hours were peaceful.

Mrs. Parsons' maiden name was Emma Chamberlain, and she was in her thirty seventh year. She was born at Cherry Valley, Illinois, the family subsequently removing to Rockford, where she married Ezra M. Parsons in 1872, removing to Carroll in 1875. Her disposition surrounded her with warm friends who loved her for her hearty, happy good nature as well as her unvarying, open-handed generosity. No deserving cause, however humble, ever appealed to her for aid in vain. Not only was she always ready and willing to assist in all good works, but she had the strong force of character to lead and organize, and many a deserving charity would have halted and failed but for the strength and energy of her kind, brave heart. In social circles the lady was everybody's friend and helper, and in our earlier days in Carroll, when the town had less to divide up its people, our gatherings never seemed complete without her. And thus it is that today, as she is being borne to her last resting place, this entire community sorrows, and bends in tearful sympathy with the stricken husband and sons over the bier of the cherished wife and mother, the light and joy of their once happy and perfect home life.

The mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, arrived here from Rockford yesterday, and also Mr. Parsons' mother, sister and brother. The funeral is held today at 10 o'clock at the home, and is conducted by Signet Chapter, O. E. S., of which Mrs. Parsons was a member.