Hall, Kate (Woodard) (1833 - 1886)

HALL, WOODARD

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 8/7/2021 at 18:34:43

DEATH’S DOING
HALL
No death which has occurred in this city for years has caused more genuine sorrow among our people than that of Mrs. Kate Hall, which occurred at the Fountain House on Saturday, August 14th. Mrs. Hall’s illness has extended over a period of several weeks, and for some time it has been known or expected that she could not recover. Her disease was paralysis of the bowels, aggravated by extreme nervous prostration and a frequently expressed desire on her part that she might die. All that kind friends could do to bring her relief and comfort in her last days was done, and she passed peacefully to rest, being conscious for a few hours before death, conversing with friends and expressing her resignation.

Kate Woodard, the subject of this sketch, was born at Greenwich, Washington County, New York, March 4, 1833. She was married in June 1863 at Greenwich to James M. Hall, brother of our townsman Robert Hall. Her husband died at Argyle, New York, in the year 1875, no children having been born to them. The family of her parents consisted of six children, but two of whom are now living, C. P. Woodard of LeMars, the youngest of the family, and another brother. It may be of interest to note that in her younger days Mrs. Hall was for a number of years in constant companionship with Susan B. Anthony, her father having bought the historical Anthony homestead at Batting Hill, N. Y.

The deceased came to Cherokee about two years ago, and tenderly cared for Mrs. Robert Hall until that lady’s death. She was a lady of much knowledge, of tender sensibilities, refinement and superior social qualities, and all who came within the circle of her acquaintance had learned to love and admire her. She was particularly fond of the young people and the society of young people and by these more than others will she be missed.

The funeral services yesterday bore much evidence of the esteem in which she was held, being conducted at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Rev. L.D. Brainard officiating. No more beautiful, impressive and affecting ceremony was ever listened to, while the decorations and floral offerings were profuse and remarkably beautiful and appropriate. The decorating of the church was the work of Mesdames Ingersoll, Young and Ford, and Miss Eva Biddle. Among the floral offerings were a beautiful representation of the “gates ajar” from the Ladies Guild of this church, an easel with wreath from Mrs. Ford, “portals” from Mrs. Foote, a floral cross from Mrs. Taylor, anchor from Mrs. Chick, sheaf of wheat with sickle from Mrs. Walbridge, floral cross from Mrs. Scribner, pillow of white flowers on green background, in the center of which was the word “Rest” in purple immortelles from Shelly Woodard, and several other pieces. In the center of the church, back of the pulpit, was a large bank of flowers, directly above which was a cross of white and green. On the right was an anchor of flowers and on the left another large cross. The pulpit and organ were appropriately decorated in white and green and bouquets of flowers. At the head of the casket stood the “gates ajar” and the pillow. On either end was a cross and anchor and in the center a broken heart. Many who were present pronounced it the most beautiful church decoration they had ever seen, east or west. The ritual services were pronounced by Rev. Brainard and Rev. Colston, pastor of the Episcopal Church at LeMars, made a short address.

The singing of the choir seemed in harmony with the surroundings, and was composed of Wm. Shardlow, organist, Mrs. and Miss Hornibrook, Mrs. Ford, Misses Hattie Bates and Hattie Beckwith, John Wilson, Ed Miller and Alvah Hobart.

Source: The Weekly Cherokean, Cherokee, IA, Tues., August 17, 1886, pg. 1