Wilson, Catharine Clarissa (Church) 1821-1907
CHURCH, WILSON
Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/26/2005 at 09:55:00
Catharine Clarissa Church, daughter of Rodney S. and Maria Adelaide Church, was born in New York City, March 31, 1821, and thus on Sunday just two weeks before her death, which occurred Saturday night, April 12, 1907, celebrated her eighty-sixth birthday.
In the year 1843, October 18th, she was married to James Wilson in New York by Rev. Hutton. Twelve years after, in the year 1855, they came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Kellogg Township.
Their married life was a happy one, saddened by the separation, apprehensions and trials, which was the lot of many a noble wife during the Civil War, for the husband and father answered the call of his country and for four long years his mother was left at home to fight the harder battle. She did not have the excitement, which attended the soldier’s life, only the days and weeks and months of anxiety and misgivings with her family cares and troubles, which only a great, true woman could bear.
A few years after the war closed, General Wilson removed with his family to this city and for many years they lived on North Farmer Street. Here in this home the father’s death occurred January 8, 1888.
Mrs. Wilson had been an invalid for a number of years, but her decline was gradual until about three months before her death. For several days before the end came she rapidly grew worse and it was inevitable to all that she was soon to pass to her reward.
Deceased was a member of the Episcopal Church, having joined in 1867. She was a good and true Christian, and a good influence ever went forth from her life, which was felt by all, especially in the home circle where she was idolized as a loving, affectionate mother.
Mrs. Wilson was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive her, and there are eight grandchildren.
The two sons, James Wilson of Seattle, Washington, and Rodney of Merrill, Wisconsin, were not with their mother during her last illness. The sons, Frank and Harry L., and the daughter, Addie, who has always been a devoted daughter and her mother’s companion, especially since the death of the father, was with her and administered to her every want in a way which only those can do who are prompted by deepest love. ~ The Newton Daily News, Tuesday, April 16, 1907, Page 1, Column 3
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Death of Mrs. Gen. WilsonWidow of Gallant Union Officer of Civil War Passes Away
Just after the midnight hour of Friday night, April 12, Mrs. Catherine C. Wilson, widow of the late Gen. James Wilson, surrounded by her children quietly and peacefully closed her eyes in the sweet sleep which knows no wakening in this world and her gentle spirit took its flight to join awaiting loved ones.
About a year ago Mrs. Wilson suffered a slight paralytic stroke, from which, in her advanced years, it was hard for her to rally; yet her sweet, hopeful, cheery disposition and motherly ways which had endeared her to everybody who knew her, grew more beautiful as she gradually neared the end of her life's long journey. For several days before her death, her precious life seemed to hang by a very slender thread. Occasional rallies which gave her loved ones hope that she might be spared to them, were followed by sinking spells when her feet seemed “slipping over the brink.” Finally the heart beats ceased forever and the mother was gone.
Catharine Clarissa church, daughter of Rodney S. and Maria Adelaide Church, was born in New York City, March 31, 1821, her 86th birthday occurring just two weeks before death. She was married to James Wilson in New York, October 18, 1843, by Rev. Dr. Hutton. In 1855 they came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Jasper County four miles east of Newton, where they were living when the Civil War came. In 1861 her husband entered the Army in Company B, 13th Iowa infantry, being commissioned as 1st Lieutenant of his company. He was afterward promoted to Adjutant, Major, Lt. Colonel and Colonel of his regiment, and finally won a commission as Major General of volunteers. During all the terrible years of war, while her husband was in the field, the faithful wife and mother was looking after the home and their children – a patriotism as noble and self-sacrificing as that of her soldier husband.
Soon after Gen. Wilson returned from the army in 1865, the family moved to this city, where on the 8th day of January, 1888, Mr. Wilson died. Of a family of nine children born to them, five survive the parents-Addie M., Frank and Hal. L. of Newton, Rodney C. of Merrill, Wisconsin, and James of Seattle, Washington, all of whom excepting James , are here now but he is expected to arrive before the funeral, which will be held from St. Stephen’s Church at 2 o’clock, Thursday afternoon. Mother Wilson had been a member of the Episcopal Church since 1867, and from its organization has been one of the most devoted member and liberal supporters of St. Stephen’s of this city, the influence of her lovely Christian character being felt not only by her own church people but by all who had ever come in touch with her. Next to the daughter, who has been her constant companion during all her widowhood and the sons who share in the sister’s love for their sainted mother, will her loss be felt by the Church which she loved so dearly. ~ Newspaper name unknown, 1907.
Newton Union Cemetery
Jasper Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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