Adams, Matilda (Davis) 1839-1898

DAVIS, ADAMS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/31/2005 at 17:11:18

Matilda Davis was born August 16, 1839, in Hendricks County, Indiana, and with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Davis, moved to Monroe County, Iowa, in the fall of 1850. The family remained in Monroe County until the spring of 1851, when they came to Jasper County. On July 3rd, 1860, she was married to O. I. Adams who survives her. To this union six children were born, two sons and four daughters, all of whom have grown to manhood and womanhood. On September 23, 1898, she was suddenly stricken with apoplexy, about the noon hour.

The family and friends were immediately summoned to her bedside, and all that loving hands and medical skill could do was done for her relief, but to no avail ­ after lingering until 3 o’clock on the following morning death came as a ministering angel and she passed to that great beyond to await at the opening portals the entrance of her loved ones left behind.

Mrs. Adams was not only a devoted wife and mother, but was possessed of a cheerful, happy disposition, and was loved and highly respected by all of her friends and neighbors. She leaves besides her own immediate family, three sisters and four brothers to mourn the loss of a kind and loving sister. In God’s great plan some rare jewel was needed and she has been transplanted into the kingdom of everlasting bliss as a bright light to guide her friends into the haven of perfect rest.

Tender and loving, wise and good,
Better to know that her tasks are done
Trials ended and glories won.
Tears are vain when a soul so bright
Wings its way to the gate of light.

She passed away like a gentle breath,
And her eyes are closed with the sleep of death,
The leaves on the trees will flutter and fall,
And the drifting snows will cover the soil,
But she will be peacefully, calmly rest,
Forever happy, by angels blest.

The funeral services were held at Hixson Grove Chapel on Sunday morning, September 25, conducted by Rev. Hanna of Newton, assisted by Rev. Kirkwood of Murphy and Rev. Rose of Oregon. Rev. Hanna took for his text the 12th verse of the 90th Psalm ­ “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” His discourse was sad and impressive, and portrayed in fitting language to the living the necessity of being ready to meet thy God. For at such an hour as you know not, the summons calls you to the judgment bar of God.

The singing was conducted by the Hixson Grove and Pleasant View choirs ­ appropriate for the occasion, the members being selected by the family. The body was laid to rest in the Hixson Grove Cemetery to await the final summons of the judgment. The house was filled with relatives and friends to pay the last tribute of respect to one they had so long known and respected.

Mr. Adams and children wish to express their thanks to friends and neighbors for their sympathy and kindness during the death and burial of the wife and mother. ~ The Newton Record Thursday, September 29, 1898