Lydia Michener

MICHENER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/23/2018 at 08:17:20

15 July 1880 - West Branch Local Record

DIED At her residence near West Branch, Iowa, on the 8th of 7th mo. 1880, LYDIA MICHENER, age 69 years and 25 days.

She was the widow of Charles Michener, to whom she was married at the age of 26, and from whom, after 25 years of happy married life, she was separated by his death, which occurred on the same month and day, just eight years before her own.

They removed to this neighborhood from Guernsey county, Ohio, in the autumn of 1854, and became identified with the early history of its settlement.

Her last illness was brief, though she had suffered from failing health for some months past. Her expressions in the near prospect of death, as well as the fruits of a maturing Christian life before, bore evidence of her preparation to welcome the summons to a better world. The last few months of her life were mostly spent in reading the bible or other religious books. In looking forward she saw "nothing her her way" and referring to her husband's departure, felt that the bereavement had been blessed in drawing her closer to the Savior. She was often heard to supplicate, "Oh Lord have mercy on my soul," and asked the prayers of her friends that an easy passage might be permitted her. At one time she prayed, "I ONLY ask for the LOWEST seat in They Kingdom." She left a message of love for her absent children, with the charge to be good and try to meet her in Heaven. The desire for an easy passage was granted in a sweet and peaceful close.

She was interred in Friends' burying ground at Hickory Grove Meeting House, on the 10th, after a solemn funeral which was largely attended.

Her eldest son resides on the Pacific coast, in California. The other three children were present, one having arrived that morning from her home in Kansas. These were true mourners, who can testify that a more good, kind, affectionate mother was never known, and that her increasing interest for her children, both spiritually and temporally was never spared.