Irish, Elga Mae 1884-1903

IRISH

Posted By: Lois J. Hinshaw
Date: 3/29/2011 at 17:44:23

The Kellogg Enterprise - July 1903

DEATH OF ELGA MAE IRISH.

The grim reaper death entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Irish at an early hour on Thursday morning, July 9, 1903, and claimed their only daughter, Elga Mae, the fairest and loveliest flower that had blossomed into their lives. In the fading away and fall of this lovely daughter is another sad reminder of the fact that death has all seasons for his own; but how cruel seems the blow when the young and tender of earth are cut down in their beauty and innocence!

Elga Mae Irish was born at Kellogg, Iowa, January 1, 1884, and died July 9, 1903. She grew to lovely womanhood here; was educated at our public schools, from which she graduated, with distinction, three years ago. In the fall of the same year she entered Drake University and was regarded as one of the brightest and most promising students in that institution. About a year ago her health began to fail but, being ambitious, she continued to pursue her studies until Mar 7th of the present year, when father brought her home for rest and recuperation. But her health continued to fail. She had every care and attention that love and skill could suggest. A change of climate was tried, but nothing could win her back to health and her fond parents, relatives and devoted friends stood by and saw her fade and die, which is the common lot of all. During her long confinement and great suffering she never murmured nor complained. Her first care seemed to be her mother. She refrained from alluding to herself lest she cause her mother pain. Elga was a devoted daughter and faithful friend whose life, so pure and innocent, was a benediction to all who came in contact with her.

Elga united with the Christian church here when twelve years of age, and when she entered the University, transferred her membership to University Place Christian church. Her christian life was exemplary and worthy of emulation.

The hand of death, that spared not their darling, has put the cup of sorrow to the lips of her fond parents, and none can know what they feel and experience, who have not also gone down to the brink of the chilly Jordan and watched the departure of the silent boatman with some cherished idol of their heart and home. But to Mr. and Mrs. Irish there is a remembrance of their darling to which they may turn. At Elga's grave they may call up her womanly virtue and gentleness and the thousand endearments associated with her young life, and renew the resolve to meet her in that "better land" where partings shall be no more.

The funeral service was held at the family residence at 9:30 A.M., on last Saturday, conducted by Rev. A. L. Criley, pastor of the Christian church, after which the body was born gently to the cemetery north of town and laid to rest.

Numerous beautiful floral offerings were received from college classmates and other friends in Des Moines and elsewhere, all testifying to the high esteem in which she was held.

The funeral was very largely attended by the people of Kellogg and vicinity. The following were among those from a distance: Mrs. Richard Hobbs, Chicago; Miss Gertrude Irish, Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Burton, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. H. M Cox, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Mobberly and daughter Miss Anna Mobberly and Miss Dayse Burke of Newton and perhaps others whose names we did not learn.

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CARD OF THANKS.--Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Irish desire us to express their sincere thanks to the neighbors and kind friends who assisted them during the protracted illness of their beloved daughter, Elga.

Note: Elga Mae Irish was buried in Our Silent City Cemetery, Kellogg, Jasper, Iowa. Buried in Block 3 Lot 59.