Ellen C. Bradshaw (1891)

ABRAHAMS, BRADSHAW

Posted By: Cay Merryman (email)
Date: 7/23/2004 at 22:04:21

Newspaper Unknown - October 1891

Last Saturday morning at 2 o'clock the spirit of Mrs. Ellen C. Bradshaw went to "the God who gave it." She had been sick for the greater part of the summer but able some of the time to be up and around among friends. About two weeks before death she began to sink away quite rapidly. All that loving hands and kind friends could do was done for her comfort and restoration to health, but the Father willed that she should go, and with a resignation characteristic of a true and noble Christian woman, she sumitted without a murmur. Her conscience was clear up to the last moment almost, and she conversed with those of the family and others in a perfectly calm and peaceful manner. She was ready to die was the reason why she died so pleasantly and happy.

The funeral was held in the M. E. church, Sunday at 11 o'clock. Rev. W. W. Williams preached the sermon, Rev. Baldridge commencing the services. The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the velvet covered casket was beautified with wreaths and bouquets prepared by the Ladies' Aid Society of which Mrs. Bradshaw was a faithful member at time of death. The music by the choir was especially adapted to the occasion, and every song seemed impressive and fitting. The discourse was concerning the unseen.......of the spirit world, and it was full of inspiration, beautiful tributes to the dead and comforting thoughts to the bereaved. Never in the history of St. Charles was there as large a funeral here. Not more than one half who came were able to gain admittance to the house at all. It is estimated that 1,500 people were in and about the church. The deceased was so widely known and loved, that the whole country for miles around came to mingle in sorrow at her departure. Mrs. Bradshaw was one of those extraordinary pleasant persons who make friends without number and as substantial as the "rock of ages" She always had a smile for everybody - a charming disposition throughout. Her home was a paradise of good things, and good people always enjoyed a day's visit there. There were four in the family, two children, Stephen and Miss Nannie.........Mr. William Bradshaw moved to Iowa in an early day a poor man, but by hard toil, patience and perseverance he has become one of our most wealthy and prosperous farmers. No where in Iowa could a home be found where harmony, smiles, love, enjoyment and comfort reigned more supreme than always at the home of William Bradshaw. The writer of this has lived there, so to speak, more than once, and never will forget that home. But death steps into the brightest of places on earth with icy tread and leaves an irrepairable gloom. Its visit to this home was the first visit there. The dear, good woman taken will not only be missed inside those walls, but by the whole country, especially the church for which she labored so diligently and well. The family bereaved have mingled with their tears the sorrow of the whole community. Their heart throbs of anguish are supplemented by the sad heart throbs of a host beside. The whole community weeps together............

OBITUARY Ellen C. Abrahams was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1837. She moved with her
parents to Miami county, Indiana, when about five years old, and in 1854 to Madison county, Iowa. She was married to William Bradshaw in 1859, and December 1st of that year moved to the place where she lived until her death. She united with the M. E. church during the pastorate of Rev. John Hestwood, with which church she remained until her departure. Her age was 54 years, 7 months and 19 days.

Note: burial was at the St. Charles cemetery.