Elisha W. Diggs (1908)

DIGGS

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/19/2014 at 07:31:54

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, March 26, 1908

Local

Elisha Diggs died last night and will be buried from his late home today, Friday, at 2 p.m.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, April 2, 1908

Elisha W. Diggs, son of Joseph C. and Abigail Diggs, was born in Randolph county, Ind., March 5, 1855. He departed this life March 25, 1908, being 53 years and 20 days old.

He moved with his parents to Earlham, Iowa, in the spring of 1871 and settled on a farm near there, which has ever since been his home.

He was a very energetic young man and a hard worker. When 31, just in the prime of his young manhood he began to fail. His first trouble was an affliction of the heart. For eight years this kept him from the active duties of life—much of the time being confined to the house. Recovering from this, he was actively engaged in the lighter work on the farm for two years.

In the spring of 1896 he began to fail again and March 17, 1896, was the last time he was able to go to town. May 5th the same spring he took to his bed, and in the 12 long years which have intervened, he has not been able to sit up an hour at a time. These have been years of intense suffering. The deadly Bright’s disease has been slowly sapping his life. Neuralgia has racked the body almost beyond physical endurance. A weakness of the spine has made both of these more grievous. Yet in all of this there has been no complaining nor resentment. With heroic courage he has accepted his lot and fought a strong battle to the end. He never lost his interest in the things of the farm nor his grip on its management. He kept the accounts up to the very last. He was strongly desirous that he might be permitted to get strong and do something for the dear ones how for twenty years have yielded their willing service to him.

It seemed a year ago that he could not pull through a severe attack, and he never was so strong afterwards. Two months ago he began to fail and he knew from his close study of his case that the disease was closing in for the last round. Then for the first time he gave up that he was not to get well. His end was, as he had often prayed that it might be without great suffering. He came to his end with quietness and peace Wednesday night at 10:30.

Elisha Diggs had a birthright membership in the Friends church. His was a consistent Christian life, lived among many disappointments and handicaps. Like his Lord he was made perfect through the things he suffered.

The funeral was held at the home Friday at 2 p.m., being in charge of Pastor Charles S. White. After a season of waiting on God in silent and vocal prayer, the pastor read II Cor. 4:7-18, adding a few appropriate remarks. After another brief waiting, Stephen and Ruth Hockett, by request, sang the hymn “My Jesus as Thou Wilt.”

The body was laid to rest by the side of his father and mother in the Earlham cemetery. There it awaits that glad morn when the dead in Christ shall arise to meet Him. W.

Gravesite
 

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