Mattie May Ergenbright (1903)

ERGENBRIGHT

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 4/4/2006 at 06:54:06

Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 5, 1903

Bertha Estella Ergenbright was born in Walnut township, Madison county, Iowa, June 26th, 1883, and died at her home in Union township on Oct. 29, 1903, aged 20 years, 4 months and 3 days. She united with the M. E. church at Barney, March 15, 1895.

Mattie May Ergenbright was born in Walnut township Feb. 19, 1879 and died at her home in Union township on the morning of Oct. 31, 1903, aged 24 years, 8 months and 12 days. She joined the M. E. church at Barney in 1895 and afterwards united with the Church of Christ at the same place in 1901. The funeral of the sisters occurred at the Church of Christ at Barney, Sunday, Nov. 1st, conducted by Rev. F. Schwab, of Des Moines, after which they were interred side by side in the same grave in the Barney cemetery.

Sept. 30th, the eldest son Elmer, succumbed to an attack of typhoid fever, after this the other members of the family contracted the disease and on Oct. 18, the mother also entered into rest to be so soon followed by her two daughters.

Mrs. Ergenbright was a mother whose salutary influence dominated and claimed the interest of her children. They were the object of her hope and labor and in every respect these sisters have responded to her tender care.

Sister Ergenbright early in life became a follower of Christ and we have this testimony to the fidelity of the mother and father in that unto them has been given such worthy sons and daughters. As in the midst of our sorrow we have looked upon the marble brow and silent forms of mother, son and sisters one thought hath reconciled us in a measure to this bereavement. Our loss has been their gain, mortal has put on immortality and from the church militant they have entered the church triumphant. Unto the time of their removal from Barney they were intimately connected with the church there. Bertha was ever ready to use her talent of music in the Lord's service.

It is impossible to voice the sympathy and sorrow of the people of Barney and the entire community on this sad occassion. These girls have helped and prompted us to nobler aspirations and it has been a delight to know them. Reverently we perform the last office of friend to friend and extend to the relatives our heartfelt sympathy.
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Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 12, 1903
Page 1, Column 2

The Ergenbright Bereavements -

Short sketches have from time to time been given concerning the sickness and death in the Ergenbright family and the writer will, in this article endeavor to give the details as nearly as possible.

The first death was that of Elmer Ellsworth, aged 26 years, who was taken sick with typhoid and died Sept. 30, 1903. The remainder of the family consisting of the father, mother, two sons and three daughters were stricken down with the same disease and on October 18, 1903, the mother died at the age of 49 years. On October 29, Bertha, age 20 years died, and two days later, Mattie, aged 24 years died, making four deaths in the family within one month.

Thus are left, the father, two sons, aged 19 and 23, and a little daughter, Nora, aged 11 years, as the remaining members of the grief stricken home. Pearl, the youngest of the family died with measles almost five years ago.

The most of the family were born and spent their early life on a farm one mile north of Barney, in Walnut township, and moved to their present residence three miles east of Winterset, last March.

The Ergenbright family was among the most highly respected in their community and and they have hosts of friends who mourn with them in their sore bereavement and the memory of the deceased ones will live long in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

The last sad rites were held from the Christian church of Barney, and conducted by Rev. Fredrick Schwaib, of Des Moines, and the remains interred side by side in the Barney cemetery. The funeral of the two sisters was held on the same day, twelve young girl friends of the deceased acted as pall bearers and the burial made side by side in the same grave.
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Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 5, 1903
Page 3

Tileville

A double funeral of the Ergenbright sisters, Mattie and Bertha, Sunday Nov. 1st, was a sad affair, well attended. Fourteen teams left the house, augmented to thirty-five on entering Barney where the services were held. Over one hundred teams from Barney to the cemetery. This is a sad affliction to a most estimable family. Four deaths in one month and one day. The remaining portion of the family have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community. The rest of the family are doing nicely and will soon be out again.
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Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 5, 1903
Page 5

Barney

Died, at the home of their father in Union township, Miss Bertha Ergenbright, aged 20 years, and Miss Mattie Ergenbright, aged 24 years. Bertha died on the morning of Oct. 27th and on Saturday morning the angel of death again entered the home and took the oldest daughter Mattie. This making four members of the family who have died since Sept. 30th. The oldest son Elmer, having gone before and the mother following in a short time. Out of the family four are left to mourn the departure of the loved ones. The father, two brothers, Will and Fred, and one sister, Nora.

Mr. Ergenbright has lived in our community for many years and were loved and respected by all. The death of these four have cast a gloom over the entire community.

The funeral service of Mattie and Bertha were held Sunday in the Church of Christ of this place conducted by Rev. F. Schwab, and the two sisters who had labored together through life were laid to rest side by side in one grave.

Both girls were of very loving disposition and had a host of friends. The places which they have left vacant can never be filled. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the relatives.

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