GILL, Coralee M. 1899-1901

GILL, ROWLEY

Posted By: Bruce Kuennen (email)
Date: 10/26/2018 at 19:20:10

One of the saddest blows that ever fell upon a family was the sudden death of Baby Coralee Gill. Thursday last.

Coralee M. Gill was born July 4,1899. She was the only child of Mr. Harry H. Gill and Mabel Rowley Gill. She was a large, strong child from birth. But when about eighteen months old she had a serious spell of indigestion, which developed convulsions and- resulted in paralysis of one side. She was so tenderly cared for, so scientifically treated, however, she had almost completely outgrown all traces of this illness. She was apparently so well and happy her mother thought a trip to the parental home, Major and Mrs. Rowley's, would be of benefit to them both. She arrived a week ago, and was enjoying the meeting with old friends, and their pleasure at seeing her bright baby. Thursday evening they were up town together listening to the band concert. Everyone noticed how well the baby looked and how playful. She was put to bed on her return seemingly as well as usual; at 1 o'clock she awoke with usual habit and asked for a drink of water; her mama gave her a drink when the laid back in her crib half asleep; a few moments later she was taken with vomiting, a convulsion followed from which. She never recovered. All that medical science, parental love and untiring hands could do was rendered, but death had set its seal upon the little life, dissolution taking place about twelve hours after she was taken sick.

Coralee was as uncommonly bright precocious child, and it is heartbreaking to the devoted grandmother, who bad been with her through most of her previous sickness, to recount all her pretty ways and bright sayings, to think she had to die. The father had planned a happy surprise on his wife and her family and had already started on a journey to them before the message carrying the news of the critical illness of his baby had reached him. He was met at the train by Harry Rowley, who supposed he had come in answer to the telegram. The blow fell with such crushing force upon him that his brain and heart were benumbed and inactive. The little arms that he expected would entwine his neck were lifeless and the little voice that he had expected to gladly shout that papa had come, was, still.

Many find that consolation in the thought that Fate is kind in taking the infant from the mother's arms. But no one could look on the sad scene in this death chamber without feeling that the hand of Fate fell heavily here; that inconsolable grief crowded out every human hope and joy. `Heaven spare others from similar grief.

A short funeral service was held at the Rowley home Friday morning, after which the parents started on their sad journey to New Lisbon, Wis., where interment took place Saturday morning.

Source: New Hampton Tribune, July 30, 1901, accessed at New Hampton Public Library Digital Archives

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