Fox, Odella 'Delia' (Kehr) 1808-1888

FOX, KEHR, FRESE, LEITHOLD, LEIGHTHOLD, DAUBENBERGER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/20/2023 at 21:44:42

Elkader Register, Thur., 27 Dec. 1888.

Mrs. Delia K. Fox, widow of the late Christian Fox, died at the residence of her son-in-law, G. Henry Frese, at McGregor, on the 15th; aged 80 years. She had been a resident of McGregor for many years.

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Added by S. Ferrall 11/10/25:

DIED - In McGregor, at the residence of her son-in-law, G. Henry Frese, at 2 o'clock a.m., Dec. 15th, 1888, Mrs. Delia Kehr Fox, aged 80 years.

Two years ago in November, Christian Fox passed over the narrow ravine between life and death, and since that date the wife and companion of fifty years has gradually declined, until within a few months when her sickness became of an alarming nature, culminating in her death on the morning of the 15th.

Companions for so many years the separation was a bereavement full of anguish, and naturally created a longing for the reunion beneath the "sods and clods of earth."

Delia Kehr was born in Petersheim, Let Worms, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, in the year 1808. She came to this country when quite young, the family residing near Norwich, Connecticut, where she met and was won by her life companion.

Since the death of her husband, two years ago, she has resided with her daughter, Mrs. G. Henry Frese, and during her late severe illness, an older daughter, Mrs. J.N. Leithold, of Postville, was with her, the two sisters sharing in the care of the dear old mother.

Six children survive the parents: Geo. Fox residing in Grand Rapids, Mich., Charles Fox of Ashland, Wis., Henry Fox of Healdsburg, Cal., Mrs. J.N. Leithold of Postville, Mrs. G.H. Frese and Mrs. V. Daubenberger, of this city, all of whom were present at the funeral except Henry and George, the latter sending a letter of condolence, but unable to be present.

Mrs. Fox was well and favorably known, a good woman, a kind and indulgent mother, a true wife.

The funeral took place on Tuesday morning, services at the German Presbyterian church, Rev. Schmidt officiating, and was largely attended.

"Husband and wife! no converse now ye hold,
As once ye did in your young days of love,
Go its alarms, its anxious hours, delays,
Its silent meditation and glad hopes,
Its fears, impatience, quiet sympathies;
Nor do ye speak of joy assured, and bliss
Full, entertain, and possessed. Domestic cares
Call you not now together. [illegible] talk
On what your children may be moves you not,
Ye lie in silence, and an awful silence;
Not like to that in which ye rested once
Most happy - silence eloquent, when heart
With heart held speech, and your mysterious frames
Harmonious, sensitive, at every beat
Touched the soft notes of love.

A silence deep
Insensible, unheeding, folds your round,
And darkness, as a stone, has sealed you in;
Away from all the living, here ye rest,
In all the nearness of the narrow tomb,
Yet feel ye not each other's presence now;
Dread fellowship - together yet alone."

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Same paper & page in Home & Other Items column:
-Charles Fox came down from Ashland to attend his mother's funeral yesterday, returning tomorrow.

-J.N. Leighthold and wife, of Postville, were in the city, the latter for the two weeks past attending her mother, the late Mrs. C.F. Fox, the former present at the funeral on Tuesday.

-Miss Delia Frese came up fm Dubuque Monday to attend her grandmother's funeral.

~North Iowa Times, Thursday, December 20, 1888; pg 3