ADSIT, Adelaide - 1864-1912

ADSIT

Posted By: Colette Miles (email)
Date: 6/20/2014 at 11:45:35

(Semi-Weekly-Democrat - Cherokee, Iowa - Sep 23, 1912)

O B I T U A R Y

Miss Adelaide Adsit was born in Decorah,
Iowa, April 2, 1864. She moved
with her parents to Cherokee county in
1876. She returned again to Decorah
to enter high school and remained there
until she graduated. She then taught
several terms in the rural schools of
Cherokee county.
She was offered a position in the
primary department of the Cherokee
schools, where she continued teaching
until she was compelled to give up her
work on account of failing health. She
taught a number of years in both the
Webster and Garfield buildings and was
teaching in the Garfield school when
she gave up the work in May, 1911.
At that time she was stricken with
paralysis. Other complications set in
later. She passed from us at 6:15
Sept. 20, 1912, She leaves to miss her
cheerful presence her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. W. C Adsit, four brothers and
two sisters Lottie, Great Barrington,
Mass.; Lou of Los Angeles, Calf.; Ray
and Will of Cherokee, Ruth of Laramie,
Wyo; Charley, Huron, S. D.
besides these she leaves a host of little
friends among the school children and I
older friends.
In the passing of Miss Adsit we lose
(this line is unreadable)
of teachers. She worked quietly but
well. Of a retiring disposition, unassuming,
"unusually active, remarkably
brilliant in conversation, She filled a
place in the lives and hearts of all with
whom she came in contact a place
which will always, remain her's.
Addie Adsit is a familiar name in our
household. She had a personality all
her own. She carried with her wit and
sunshine and good cheer,
loyal to her profession and was faithful
in attending educational meetings, thus
keeping pace with the progress of the
day. Besides, attending the educational
meetings near at home she attended
the National Educational Association
at Boston several years ago. Two
years ago she attended the National
Educational AAssociation in Denver,
Col. Miss Adsit, although long in the
service', never apologized for teaching
school. Why should she? Great was her
mission as a primary teacher—co-laborer
with the Great Teacher who so loved
the little ones that He lovingly invited
them to come unto Him. Many a little
one in the homes of Cherokee left their
play things and babyhood to go to
school to Miss Adsit and take up life
as a member of a little community or
commonwealth where they learned
their first lessons in the rights of others
and the authority of superiors.
Many young men and women will
think back as they learn of the departure
of the noble woman of the times when
She took their chubby little hands
in hers and aided them in forming their
letters and patiently taught them how
to translate the hieroglyphics found in
their wonderful first readers. To many
the careful songs she taught them in
thier childhood will come back, to,
memory. How faithfully, how persistently,
had this loyal little teacher
worked with the little folks and smiled
and hopefully sang into their lives the
first lessons in citizenship. Herein
addition to lessons in text they began
their preparation the social and
civic duties of life.
Important indeed the task of all
callings the most worthy. In her work
to the last she was. young in spirit,
faithful to duty, untiring in effort and
loyal professionally.
She was especially devoted to her
home. With the most tender solicitation
she cared for the, loved ones in the
home. Ever forgetful of self she gave
her life, for the children the school
and the dear ones in her home.
She was ever so jovial in her manner
that she concealed from her friends her
true physical condition. An overtaxed
body must have rest some time.
The time came in May, 1911, when
she who had lived for the service of
others which is the greatest service in
the world had to lay aside the duties
she so unselfishly performed to obey
the kindly voice of her own Teacher,
who called her up higher.
Miss Adsit joined the Congregational
church soon after she began teaching
and lived an exemplary life to the end.
A few weeks ago, when she knew she
could serve no longer, she remarked:
"I want to go home" When told she
was already home she replied, "I mean
my other home." To that other home
she has now gone to receive the reward
of the faithfull. The young men
and women who have had her for their
teacher and who have now entered the
larger schools of life may well learn
her lessons of devotion, of patience, of
self sacrifice, of good cheer and of service.
In these virtues she leaves to us
all lessons still assigned.

Her day's work is over,

Her record is closed,

School is out,

She has gone Home.