Rebecca Hickman Arnold Kent 1825-1913

KENT, RENOLD, OAKES

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/21/2013 at 23:15:17

Grandma Kent, who resides with her daughter, Mrs. Joe Oakes of north Hoprig, suffered a stroke of paralysis on Wednesday. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, October 16, 1913)

Mr. and Mrs. John Kent of Rolfe, Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Kent of Indianola and Dave Kent of Jewell, arrived the last of the week to be at the bedside of their mother, Mrs. Kent, who is dangerously ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.W. Oakes of Hoprig. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, October 23, 1913)

Another Pioneer Has Passed Away
Rebecca H. Kent Recently Died at Home of Daughter
The last issue of the Graettinger Times contains the following account of the late Rebecca H. Kent, an aged lady, who at one time was an esteemed resident of this place:

“Wednesday afternoon, October 15, the death angel knocked at the home of “Grandma” Kent, and after ten days of suffering she answered the call of her Divine Master to “Come up higher,” and at 5 o’clock Sunday morning, October 26, entered into her reward.

“Rebecca H. Kent was born on November 11, 1825, being at her death a few days short of 88 years of age. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom now survive her – David A. , of Jewell Junction, Iowa; Wm. Harrison, of Colorado; John B., of Rolfe, Iowa; Nathaniel H., of Ramona, S.D.; Eli C. of Indianola, Iowa, and Eda B. Oakes, of Hoprig, Iowa.

“Mother Kent was a very devout Christian from early life, and always ready to affiliate with Christian people of whatever denomination. She rarely allowed a day to pass without reading a bible lesson. She was a member of the Christian church or Church of Christ. She knew no enemies. She was kind to all, and ever had a tender care for all who came within her need.

“The following appropriate lines were written by Lila Oakes Kent:

Dear mother, your struggles and trials are o’er.
We know that you are safe on that far away shore.
More than four-score years you have journeyed below –
Years filled with sorrows and joys we very well know.
But all through these years God’s word was your law,
And often in dreams the home-land you saw.
Sons and husbands have waited long to meet you up there,
When should be an end your long life of prayer.
We can’t wish you back, nor long mourn your loss,
For you’ve so patiently and bravely carried your cross.
Just farewell is all we can say at this time,
And by prayer aim to meet you in that heavenly clime.

“The funeral services for Mrs. Kent were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Oakes, at 10 o’clock Monday forenoon, October 27, conducted by Rev. H. C. Hurd, pastor of the Christian church of Estherville. Interment was made in High Lakes township cemetery. The pall-bearers were Eli C., Nathan H., John B. and David A. Kent, J.W. Oakes and J.H. Gammon. (Rolfe Reveille, Rolfe, IA, November 6, 1913) (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, October 30, 1913)

Note: the gravestone gives dod as 1914.