Wright, Josie 1848-1911

WRIGHT, MEREDITH, WILSON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/3/2010 at 17:53:29

Mrs. Josie Wright At Rest

Passed Peacefully Away at an Early Hour Sunday Morning

The death of Mrs. Josie Wright last Sunday morning, December 31st, although it brought sorrow to her loved ones and many friends, mingled with that sorrow came a sense of relief in the knowledge that hr long years of intense suffering were over and the wasted and worn out body was forever at rest. Mrs. Wright had been the victim of an inward cancer, which began its first cruel work about three years ago. Although everything within the scope of medical skill was brought to bear to effect its cure, it was all to no avail; her decline was slow but sure, until the end was reached about 2:30 Sunday morning, and she sank into the last sweet sleep. Her death occurred at the home of her only child, Mrs. Fred Meredith, on First Avenue West.

Mrs. Wright was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wilson and she was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, January 19, 1848. She was left motherless when she was but six weeks old, and when but three years of age her father, too, was taken from her. She was then taken into the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Christine Cox, with whom she lived until she was in her teens, when the grandmother was also taken, and she was left alone in the world.

She came to Newton in 1868, and three years later–in 1871-she was united in marriage with George W. Wright, son of a dry goods merchant here, in whose store George was employed. Their happy married life only lasted three brief years, when in 1874, her husband died, leaving her with a little daughter, Katie, but 10 months old. She proved a brave little woman, and the little daughter was the only kindred tie that bound her to earth. She was engaged in the millinery business for a number of years, and at other times took subscriptions for many magazines and periodicals, proving at all times a very successful business woman, her gentle manners and pleasing personality gaining for her a wide circle of friends.

On the 12th of October, 1899, the daughter was married to Mr. Fred Meredith in this city, who became a son indeed to her. With them, in their home, her life was perfectly happy until the cruel disease fastened itself upon her. They, with the two little granddaughters, Janice and Madge, were given the full measure of her mother love. During all her long illness she had the tenderest care from these loved ones-not a wish going unsatisfied. Neither was she forgotten by her outside friends; seldom a day of these three years of struggling passed without fresh roses, carnation, and other flowers finding their way into her room with cheerful messages from friends that loved her. They made her so happy, even in her suffering. She was a member of the Congregational church and was always a faithful and devout Christian.

Funeral services were held at the home at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, attended by a large number of friends and conducted by rev. Geo. H. Kemp of the Congregational church. Fred W. Hough sang a solo and with Mrs. Eberhart rendered a beautiful duet, with Mrs. Fisk as accompanist. There were many beautiful flowers, and the services throughout were very impressive. The pallbearers were Messrs. A. H. Bergman, Harry Engle, harry Allfree, Al. Hindorff, Harry McCardell and Will Jasper. The remains were laid to rest by the side of her husband in our beautiful cemetery. ~ Newspaper unknown.