LATHAM, Lillie Gertrude (Drummond) 1862-1912

LATHAM, DRUMMOND, PRINDLE, ANDERSON, KIEFER, NELSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/13/2012 at 03:22:48

Lillie Gertrude Drummond, youngest daughter of David and Margaret Drummond, was born December 23, 1862, at MacGregor [sic], Iowa, and passed away May 2, 1912, at her home in Hazelton, Iowa, death resulting from chronic Bright's disease. At the age of twelve years she removed with her family to Dubuque, which city was her home until her marriage with Eugene H. Latham, of Eleroy, Illinois, on July 20th, 1880. In 1881 they removed from Eleroy to Hazelton, which has since been their hime, with the exception of one year, when they were residents of LaPort. To them were born four children, Forest Eugene, David Ray, Mary Bessie and Eula Matilda, who died December 14, 1893, at the age of eighteen months.

Mrs. Latham has been a great sufferer from asthma for about thirty years but so bore her affliction that many are those who, in the presence of her cheerful patience, have been led to cease their repining and again take up their lot with something of her brave philosophy. She loved the society of her friends and was always a welcome member of any gathering, where her merry and happy disposition made her a favorite with all.

However, it was in her home where her noble qualities stood out in highest relief, and, where, in spite of feeble health, she filled to the full the sacred offices of wife and mother, lavishing upon husband and children a devotion that was returned by them in fullest measure.

At her bedside when the summons came, were her mother, brother and sisters who with husband, children and friends tried in every possible way to help her to stem the tide that she might be restored to her loved ones and, failing that, with prayer and tender ministrations to speed the gentle spirit heavenward. In the last hours as earth was receding and heaven was advancing, the last efforts of her feeble strength and glimmering consciousness were expended as a tribute to the husband, whose steadfast devotion and tender sympathy never failed her in all the years of her invalidism, and whose presence alone could sustain her even down through the valley of the shadow until she was safe in the everlasting arms.

Aside from the husband and children, there are left to mourn her loss, her stepmother, Mrs. David Drummond of Dubuque, one brother, David Drummond of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and four sisters, Mesdames E.R. Prindle, Andrew Anderson, John Kiefer, all of Hazelton, and Mrs. Joel F. Nelson of Dubuque.

The funeral services were held from the residence Saturday, May 4th, at 2:30 p.m. conducted by her pastor, Rev. T.J. Elwick, of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which body she united under the ministry of Rev. P.J. Leonard. Rev. Horace Foote a former pastor, offered prayer, and Rev. J.C.B. Peck of the Presbyterian church assisted by scripture reading and remarks. A large concourse of sorrowing friends filled the house and lawn, coming to drop a tear to the memory of one whom they had always held in tender regard, and to lighten, if possible, by their sympathy, the heavy burden of sorrow which had fallen upon the family.

After the services, surrounded by the profusion of beautiful flowers contributed by the Eastern Star Chapter, the Rebekah Lodge and Women's Relief Corps, all of which she was a member, and by various other organizations and friends, the loved form was tenderly laid to rest in the Hazelton cemetery by the side of the little daughter who had preceded her.

~Oelwein Register, May 8, 1912 (Hazeltonian News and Notes )