O'Brien, Mary died 1897

OBRIEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:23

Elkader Register, Fri. morning, 13 Aug. 1897.

Once more the angle of death has visited our community and taken from our midst our dearly beloved friend, Mary O'Brien, who was born in October, 1873, and had she lived a few weeks longer would have reached the age of 24 years.

Her loving disposition ad many kind acts gained her a large circle of friends, who deeply mourn her untimely death.

Her grief-stricken family and friends are left to mourn the loss of one who had a warm corner in the hearts of all with whom she associated; one who was always ready to extend a helping hand to the needy and afflicted, one who will be sadly missed from the community in which she lived, as also from every place where she was known.

Mary was a young lady of culture and refinement and proved herself a successful teacher, having taught school the past seven years. Her death was a great shock to the teachers in attendance at the institute, who were daily expecting to see her among them, she having made all arrangements for attending. At the suggestion of Supt. Miller, resolutions of respect were offered by the institute.

On Thursday morning Mary told her family that she would not live until the next morning, and remarked that she hoped Saturday would be a nice day so that many of her friends could attend her funeral., and she did pass away on Thursday, August 5th, at midnight.

The funeral, as she wished, took place on Saturday last, and was the largest that ever assembled at this place. Her death was peaceful and happy. When she was taken sick she felt at once that she was going to die during that sickness.

Her advice to brothers and sisters was very wise and helpful, and will no doubt be treasured and heeded by them all. To her sorrowing mother and to each of the family she gave a parting word, asking them not to mourn for her and telling them that they must lead good lives, that they might all meet again in heaven. She told them that this life was only a preparation for the next and that she was willing and glad to go, for she felt sure of being happy there.

She leaves behind her a mother, three brothers and four sisters, together with a large circle of neighbors and friends to mourn her loss. May her soul rest in peace.

"We miss thee from our home, dear sister,
We miss thee from thy place;
A shadow o'er our life is cast,
We miss the sunshine of thy face.

We miss thy kind and loving hand,
Thy fond and earnest care:
Our home is dark without thee, We miss thee everywhere."

A Friend.