Peterson, Esther Theressa (1894-1909)

PETERSON, GABRIELSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
November 4, 1909

A dark gloom spread over the whole community when it was whispered from one to another that Miss Esther Peterson had passed away Thursday morning. Although she had not been well for the past year and had been confined to her bed the latter half of the year and it was known that the Master would soon call her home, the news of her death was keenly felt.

No one can explain why a young girl, such as Miss Esther Peterson, should be called from this life at fifteen years of age. She had not a thought that was not a gentle one, not one that did not hold all the world in the arms of its kindliness. She was the light of the eyes of her mother and sister and friends, and the light has now gone out. To them she was what the sunshine is to the world. During her school days in the Stratford public schools Miss Esther's sweet face and winsome ways won the hearts of both teacher and pupils. She was of a kind disposition, bright and winning in her ways, so that friendship's circle to her was a large one, indeed it may be truly said of her that "none knew her but to love her."

Esther Theressa Peterson was born in Stratford, Iowa, September 12, 1894 and passed away Thursday, October 28, 1909 at 8:30 o'clock a.m. at the age of 15 years, 1 month and 15 days. Her father preceded her to the better land in February, 1895, and a loving mother and sister are left to mourn her departure.

Funeral services were held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 12:45 o'clock and at the M.E. church at 1:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. F.H. Linn in the English language and by Rev. O.W. Stromborn of the Swedish M.E. church in the Swedish language. Rev. C.G. Bengtson of the Baptist church also paid a very beautiful tribute to the memory of the deceased. The floral offerings were many and beautiful, but not more beautiful than the face that rested so peaceful among them.

Loving hands tenderly laid the little form to rest in South Marion Cemetery, the sombre sky and rustling of the fallen leaves being in true accord with the solemn scene. Yet above all came the comforting thought that the gentle child was spared earth's cares and sorrows, that her memory but forms another cord to draw her loved ones to the brighter home beyond. We join with the relatives and many friends of the deceased in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved mother and sister.

[daughter of Samuel & Anna Louise Gabrielson Peterson]