McDonald, Ella (Schmidt) 1864 - 1905

MCDONALD, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 02 Mar. 1905.

Mrs. Ella Schmidt McDonald was born Oct. 4th, 1864, in Chicago, Ill. The following year, in 1865, she with her parents, - John H. Schmidt and wife - came to Clayton county, Iowa, where the remainder of her life was spent. She grew to womanhood here and on Nov. 12th, 1885, was united in marriage to George McDonald, of Elkport. To this union were born three children. The oldest, a boy, died in infancy. Then the girls, Julia and Hattie came to gladden the home - they being now 17 and 14 years old.

Besides the husband and daughters, she leaves to mourn her loss, her parents, J. H. and Caroline Schmidt, who owned the hardware store in Elkport for many years, until recently when they moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., and seven brothers, two of whom preceded her to the Great Beyond, the one dying in infancy, and the other, Charlie, in 1893, he having to manhood grown. The living brothers are Frank, Ed, Henry and W. F., all located in Fond du Lac, Wis., and John, who resides in Dubuque, Ia.

Her friends were numerous as was shown by the many calls she received. And how grateful that heart was for everything done for her ! She was true to her marriage vows at the alter; true to the duties of making this a cozy home where her friends always found a hearty welcome; true in the fulfillment of her duties as a mother of her girls and true to the love of daughter and sister.

And, as nothing that was in her power to give or do toward the comfort and happiness of her loved ones, was too great a sacrifice or to hard a task, so when she was taken sick, they in return did all that could be done in search of aid for her. When no medical skill could stay the disease which had been contracted about two years ago by a cold which settled on her lungs and they saw her slowly but surely growing weaker and weaker and she felt her strength leaving her more and more, it was then they did all that loving hands and willing hearts could do to cheer her and help her to bear the burden laid upon her. On Thursday, the 23rd of February, the struggle began as she passed on through the stormy banks of the Jordan, and at 9:30 p.m., on Saturday the 25th, she had reached the haven of rest. How blessed must be the rest after two whole years of illness through the fortieth milestone had been passed; she therefore was a pilgrim on this earth but 40 years, 4 months and 21 days.

The hands which toiled and wearied not while health and strength was hers, now lie quietly, peacefully idle, "Life's dream is o'er." And so while her place never can be filled on earth, we look forward to the grand reunion at the throne above where all is peace and joy and love. She will be greatly missed by her neighbors as they too, were friends in need, which are the friends indeed. She joined the Cemetery Association and was an active member of the same as long as it was possible for her to do so.

On Tuesday, the 28th of February, a large concourse of relatives and friends assembled at the home of the deceased to pay the tribute of respect and love to the memory of the dead. Rev. Hansel spoke in his usual impressive manner, bestowing upon her who has gone from our midst, a eulogy well befitting the patient, suffering one. In spite of the awful condition of the roads there was a long concourse at the house and the long cortege passed on to the cemetery. Here in what is known as "Hall's Cemetery" is placed but the skeleton, but her soul shines as the brightest of stars in the firmament above. The ladies of the Cemetery Association acted as honorary pall bearers. The active pall bearers being the Messrs. Ed. Schmidt, Frank Schmidt, John C. Schmidt, W. F. Schmidt, brothers of the deceased, and J. H. Jennings. The casket was covered with many beautiful flowers.

Sleep on, oh wife and mother !
Sleep daughter and sister dear !
Sleep on, oh friend, loved one !
Sleep on, we're drawing near !

No more on earth we'll see you,
But o'er the crystal sea
And o'er Jordan's waters
We'll all united be.

The sickness, pain and suffering,
Now all you've passed
And you've found happiness
And sweet rest at last.

How grand the reunion
Of your dear ones gone before,
Who have watched and waited
On the other shore.

A Friend.