RALSTON, Fern 1883-1894

RALSTON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/24/2011 at 09:08:55

Miss Fern Ralston of Melrose township, died last Tuesday morning at one o'clock, from catarrhal fever.

--The Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 18 October 1894

Fern Ma Ralston died, after a brief illness at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Ralston, October 16, 1894; aged 11 years, eight months and eleven days. Fern was a bright, loving child and affectionate sister. Her loss is deeply felt in the home circle where she was a favorite with all. Her school mates also miss the little figure and her seat remains vacant. Thus her memory is cherished. She was a member of the Sunday school at Alice church and will be sadly missed by her teacher and young friends. The funeral took place Monday afternoon, October 17th at Alice church, and was conducted by Rev. Wilson Asdale of Conrad, after which the remains were laid to rest in the beautiful little cemetery near the church.

Whereas, the alwise and kind Heavenly Father has seen fit to call unto himself our beloved friend, Fern Ma Ralston:

Resolved, That our school has been called to mourn a patient, loving pupil and a kind friend.

Resolved, That the Sunday School has also suffered the loss of a faithful scholar and true child, and the church a tender bud of promise.

Resolved, that the heart-felt sympathy of the entire community be extended to this family upon whom the hand of affliction has fallen so suddenly and so heavily in the past few weeks.

Resolved, That while we bow in sorrow in our several places of meeting because we shall see her face and hear her voice no more; yet we can rejoice and do believe that she has gone to Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Resolved, That a copy of the above Resolutions be placed on the minutes of the Sunday School; also a copy sent to the Conrad Journal and Grundy Republican, and to the family of the deceased.
David Gallagher, S. S. Supt,
Mrs. C. M. Sprague, Teacher,
Ida Catlow, Teacher.

Go, little loved one go, a parent's heart can tell;
And none but theirs can fully know
How hard it is to say farewell.
"Sister thou was't mild and lovely,
Gentle as the summer breeze;
Pleasant as the air of summer
As it floats among the trees."
Peaceful be the silent slumbers,
Peaceful in thy grave so low;
Thou no more shall join our numbers,
Thou no more our songs shall know.
For God in wisdom taketh home,
The Jewel he had given;
And though now absent from our home,
She is safe at home in heaven.

--The Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 1 November 1894