Mary Benthall Carrington, 1877-1900

BENTHALL, CARRINGTON

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/2/2011 at 19:39:27

Mary E. Benthall was born in Quasqueton, Ia., February 3, 1877 and removed from there to Spencer, in 1892. After spending several years in the Chicago high school and Cedar Falls normal she returned to Spencer and remained in the home of D.E. Knight where she was married to Chas. L. Carrington, August 17, 1899.

Their home since then has been in Cherokee county. She united with the Spencer Baptist church, in 1893. A few weeks ago she returned to Spencer for the summer and possibly for a permanent home, but the bright prospect of life among a circle of dearly loved friends has been blighted, and the pure spirit took its flight Sunday morning June 10 about 8 o'clock. Not a shadow of murmuring, only trust and strongest expressions of faith in a Heavenly Father's love and wisdom passed her lips. The closing scenes of her life were very beautiful. Actuated by a firm faith in God and a love for all that was pure and good, she proved in her death that "the path of the past is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

When she realized that she was soon to be called away, she talked very calmly about her going and urged her friends to be strong and brave. In response to her request for a song they began to sing "Jesus Lover of my Soul" when her face lighted up and she mingled her voice with those of the grief stricken singers. She also requested them to sing, "The Sweet Bye and Bye." The evening before her death her voice was heard in sweet clear tones signing, "Hold the Fort for I am Coming."

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church, conducted by Rev. J.F. Bryant, assisted by Rev. Hay. The church and home were beautifully decorated with a profusion of flowers among them several exquisite floral designs of the choicest cut flowers. The Rebeccas accompanied the remains from the home to the church, where they were seated in a body. After an impressive service the remains were born to the city cemetery and deposited in a grave lined with flowers.

The deceased leaves a father, mother, husband, two brothers, a littel babe and many other friends to mourn her loss.

Source: Spencer Herald, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; June 13, 1900.