Death of Mrs. Gov. "Lavina" (Lackland) Hempstead died 1871

LACKLAND, HEMPSTEAD, RICHMOND

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 4/22/2016 at 22:56:36

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Dubuque Daily Herald – Jan. 4, 1871 Page 4
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Death of Mrs. Gov. Hempstead
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The respected wife of our esteemed and venerable citizen, Gov. Stephen Hempstead, departed this life at 7 o’clock Tuesday morning after a lingering illness that which dates back some five years.

The deceased, though in very feeble health from as paralytic condition, had shown no particular indication of being so bear death’s door – was, in fact, Monday, the day previous to her demise, a seemingly more comfortable condition than usual, and quite a number of New Year callers went in to see her; but unannounced the dread messenger came early on Tuesday, and bore away the “? Spirit from the suffering body. Truly may we say that a mother in Israel has fallen.

The deceased was one of these goodly women whose existence was a perpetual sunshine; whose presence was a constant blessing.

We might add many words of eulogy upon the gentle spirit, whose passing to a happier world we are now contemplating, but in her own good works which she has left behind, are her best and all sufficient praise. The recollection of her kind ministrations will be a monument to her memory more enduring than marble, more fragrant than the flowers of spring.

Mrs. Hempstead was born in Baltimore, Maryland on the 7th of February in 1819. She was the daughter of Dennis and Eliza Lackland, one of the old and respected families of that state. Her father, mother and family immigrated to Missouri and settled in St. Louis in 1835. She was married to Ex-Governor Hempstead, who survives her, on the 15th of June 1837 and came to Dubuque the same year, where she has resided ever since.

About five years ago she visited her friends in St. Louis, and it was during this visit that she sustained injuries from an accident which were the probable cause of her paralytic affliction which has troubled her more or less ever since, and finally resulted in her death. About two years ago she took a trip to the Hot Springs of Arkansas, from which trip she realized some little benefit.

Mrs. Hempstead was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church, the kindly influences of religion sweetened and sanctified he life and made her offices of kindness doubly dear to be remembered.

‘The deceased leaves three children: Mrs. Leva Richmond of this city; Mr. Junius Hempstead of Memphis, Tenn.; and Mr. Eugene Hempstead, living at the family home here.

The funeral will be held at the St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1458 Locust Street at 2 p.m. Wednesday.