MILLS, Elizabeth 1832-1899

MILLS, ACKER

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/24/2019 at 17:38:16

Obituary of Mrs. Mills

Elizabeth Jane Acker was born in Livingston county, New York, August 19, 1832, and died at her home in Grundy Center, July 1, 1899.

She married Isaac C. Mills December 9, 1852, at Lakeville, New York. Five children were born to them, four of whom survive. In 1872 they moved to Grundy Center where they have since lived.

She had been a sufferer from cancer for nine years and the past three months she was confined to her bed and was sorely afflicted till death relieved her. She was a patient sufferer and endured the torturing pain with christian fortitude and died trusting in the hope of another and better existence.

The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon from the M.E. church of which she had been a faithful member for a great many years. Rev. Dr. Fellows preached a discourse full of comforting thoughts and one which was an inspiration to all believers to go on more diligently in the hope of the resurrection of the dead. He spoke chiefly of the christian's hope and admonished his hearers to build for eternity. He had visited deceased many times during her illness and had found her trusting and prayerful so that when the end came and she slept away her earthly existence she was fully prepared to pass into the great unknown leaning on the arm of her Lord and Savior. She had selected the songs she wished sung at her funeral and the closing one was "Beulah Land" in which she asked that the congregation join in the chorus. She had also requested that white instead of black be used for church decorations and the request was granted. It made the funeral obsequies seem less doleful and solemn and the pastor remarked that while the loss would be sorely felt he would not make it an occasion of mourning but of rejoicing for truly a good pilgrim had gone home. Many handsome floral pieces were sent in by sympathizing friends as a testimony of the warm regard in which she was held in the community. The ladies of the W.C.T.U. and King's Daughters Circle attended the funeral in a body and at the grave placed flowers upon the coffin after it was lowered to its last resting place. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the grave. The grave had been beautified by the hands of sympathizing young ladies. By special request of deceased the following choir furnished the music. Organist, Mrs. W. R. Lynn, singers, Mrs. C. I. Keiter, Misses Gertrude Miner, Naomi Tompkins, E. A. Crary and Chas. Butler. Rev. Marsh of the Baptist church led in prayer.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 6 July 1899, pg 5