CROPPER, Mary Jane (Walster) 1854-1906

WALSTER, CROPPER

Posted By: Chris Tonn (email)
Date: 8/27/2014 at 20:25:01

Mrs. Cropper Dies.

After living for three months without nourishment, Mrs. Mary Jane Cropper, wife of William M. Cropper, of Chicago, Ill., died at the home of her mother, Elizabeth Walster, in this city, at 10 o'clock Thursday night April 26. Death came at the end of nine moths of suffering and was due to cancer of the stomach. The funeral services were held Sunday at her mother's home. The body was interred in the local cemetery beside that of her father.

For the last nine months Mrs. Cropper has been a terrible sufferer. Although beset with many pains, she bore them with fortitude and a smile on her lips and a kind word and thanks for everyone who assisted her.

The end came peacefully and a quiet sleep followed the hours of agony that preceded death. For several days before the last hour came, she became delirious and was only able to recognize her family at intervals. Her family was at her bedside at the last.

Her husband and sons arrived several days before the end, and were able to be present and console her in her last hours.

The funeral services were held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at her mother's home. Rev. Denny, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Charles City, Officiated at the services.

But a few days before her death and when she knew that her battle would soon be over, Mrs. Cropper was discussing the future with her sister.

"Oh," she said, "don't feel bad, I will only be in another room."

As though the great spirit cared for small things, Rev. Denny unknowingly voiced the identical sentiments in his address. He declared that death was but the stepping into the foyer to the hereafter--another room.

The casket was a beautiful creation of ashes of roses, delicately tinted and embossed. On the casket rested scores of floral tributes from her many friends.

The music for the occasion was furnished by Miss Rose Brunner, Mrs. S.B. Miller, and Mrs. George Barber. The accompanist was Mrs. Luella Oakes. The pieces given, "Nearer My God to Thee," "Jesus Lover of My Soul, " and "Lead Kindly Light."

Following out Mrs. Cropper's dying request, her four sons were her pall bearers.

Mrs. Cropper was born at Harrisburg, Wis., August 6, 1854, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Walster. In August 1880, she was married to William Mason Cropper, then of Mazomanie, Wis. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Byron Meigs.

Mr. and Mrs. Cropper lived in Mazomanie until 1895. It was during this time that all their children were born. In 1895 the family moved to Chicago where they have since made their home.

Mrs. Cropper was a member of the Chicago Lawn Congregational Church. She was more devoted to the cares of her family, than to the work of her church. Her whole soul was bound up in those about her, which engendered a broad charity for all.

She leaves a husband, W.M. Cropper, and five children to mourn her loss. They are Percy Melbourne Cropper of Salt Lake City; Roy Staunton Cropper, Clyde Denton Cropper, Pearl Arthur Cropper and Miss Gail Hamilton Cropper.

Source: Marble Rock Journal, Marble Rock, Iowa
May 3, 1906