Kitching, Mellie 1877-1896

KITCHING

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/24/2003 at 11:47:32

The saddest death probably ever known in this vicinity was that of Miss Mellie Kitching, Thursday morning, April 2. She was to all appearances in perfect health. Even her parents knew of no disease whatever that might be preying upon her system. After eating a hearty breakfast and doing up her usual work, she went up stairs to make her bed. In a very few minutes her parents heard a heavy fall. They called, but receiving no answer rushed up stairs, finding Mellie lying face downward upon the floor. She breathed only three times after they lifted her up. The cause of the fall will never be known. As she fell, her left eye and left side of the face struck the door facing and seem to have rubbed against the sharp edge of the door, thus giving the head a wrench which broke her neck.

The anguish of her aged parents can scarcely be imagined. She was the stay of their home and had truly kept the commandment, “Honor thy father and mother.” Had she lived until June 8, 1896, she would have been twenty years old. All who knew her respected and loved her.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Omer in the M. E. Church in Granville, Saturday at 2 o’clock p.m.

The sincere, heartfelt sympathy of all their many friends is extended to the bereaved family. “Ye know not the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh.” ~ The Newton (IA) Record, Friday, April 10, 1896, Page 8, Column 2 – Taintor