Sloan, May died 1898

SLOAN

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Mr. and Mrs. Sloan of this city mourn the loss of their youngest child, May, age 7 years and 6 months, who died Monday morning, Feb. 14th, at 4 O'clock after an illness of several months. Funeral occured Tuesday afternoon from the family residence to St. Gabriel's Church Prairie du Chien, Wis. where her remains were conveyed by a Special Train and followed by a large cortege, and were interred in the Catholic cemetery of that city.

May was a sufferer from heart disease nearly four months, and every thing that loving parents and relatives could do was done for her. Her condition grew gradually worse and they realizing the end was near, became duly resigned to the will of our Most Heavenly Father.

The patience with which she bore her sickness and sufferings was astonishing for one of her years, teaching a worthy lesson to them who surrounded her bedside, making it a pleasure indeed, to wait upon her, doubly endearing her to her loved ones. During all her sickness her one thought was that her sufferings would enable her to join that Celestial Band, and e'en to the last moment, her parting words were "Good by papa, pray for me."

When one whose short young life was so sweet, so pure, entreats those about her to pray for her, then her life may be compared to the half open snow white lily that she held in her dear little hand, what must be the thoughts of those older than she, for the lesson that such faith teaches is, that our lives must be purer and better, for having known and loved our darling May.

The Open Window Club of which she was a member, with her many other school friends have draped in mourning her desk, in loving remembrance of their little associate. The floral offerings were many and most beautiful, all typical of the pure young life that has been taken from us.

To the dear ones left to mourn her loss, we can, as consolation, offer the words of Longfellow, "There is no flock, however watched and tended. But one dead lamb is there! There is no fireside, how-so-e'er defended, But has one vacant chair. She is not dead - the child of our affection, - But gone unto that school where she no longer needs our poor protection, and Christ himself doth rule. In that great cloister's stillness and seclusion. By guardian angels led, Safe from temptation, safe from sin's pollution, She lives, whom we call dead." Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.

~McGregor News, Wednesday, February 23, 1898