Joseph Allen Hopkins

HOPKINS, SMITH

Posted By: Lisa Walden (email)
Date: 8/28/2020 at 17:51:42

HOPKINS. Joseph Allen Hopkins was born near Washington Corners, Alameda county, California, August 22d, 1860, and was baptized and confirmed in that vicinity, June 25th, 1871, by Elder W.W. Blair.

In the spring of 1872 he, with his parents, located in the vicinity of Lamoni, and on the 4th of March, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Fannie L. Smith, who now, with their two children, survives him.

In 1882 his health failed seriously, and in 1886 he, with his family, went to Oregon, hoping for its restoration, and recovered so far as to be able to engage in active business at Glendale.

Last November, for two nights, he watched with and waited upon a sick man who, it was afterwards found, had the small-pox. Bro. Hopkins soon after was taken sick and had the symptoms of that disease, only that eruptions did not come out. The disease seemed to spread inwardly and he rapidly failed and wasted, till death seemed near.

His sufferings for near three months were great and constant. At length he was strongly impressed with faith that the Lord would bless him with divine aid if the elders would administer to him the ordinance of anointing with oil and laying on of hands with prayer. Bro. Henry C. Smith was called, and immediate relief came.

In answer to the ministrations the pain left his head. The hope and joys of returning health and vigor continued till the 24th of March when himself and family took the train for Lamoni.

On the way here, they were detained at Grand Island, Nebraska, for twelve hours. There he contracted a severe cold which laid the foundation for the sickness that terminated in his death at about nine o'clock on the evening of Wednesday, the 17th of April, 1889.

Death came to him in the fondly loved home of his parents, surrounded by his constant, affectionate wife, his little children, his devoted brothers, and kindred and numerous kind and cherished friends and neighbors. This his soul had prayerfully desired when far away on his sickbed in Oregon.

Heaven favored him and granted this desire and prayer for himself and his family and friends. A few days after his return, when talking with his father, who was then at his bedside waiting upon him, he said, "My happiness is now complete!"

During his lifetime he suffered much through accidents which occurred to him, and at one time he was sorely afflicted with inflammatory rheumatism and was healed of it finally by the administration of the elders. He also was healed when crushed in the wheels of a Gang Plow. At these times he exhibited great faith and complete confidence in God.

He was of generous heart and kindly disposition and made and retained many friends. A large concourse of relatives and sympathizing friends and neighbors attended the funeral services at the Saints' Church, Friday, the 19th.

He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery. The funeral sermon was preached by Elder W.W. Blair, assisted by Elder J.W. Gillen.

Source: The Saints’ Herald - volume 36 (1889) p. 287 [The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints]