Eliza L. (Browne) Reid

BROWNE, GRAHAM, REID

Posted By: Cay Merryman (email)
Date: 8/3/2004 at 22:42:15

November 1894

Eliza L. Browne Reid was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Sept. ?0, 1817. She was married to Jesse M. Reid, April 15, 1841. After five years spent on the Reid farm, they moved to Union county, Ohio. This was then the "far west" In the depths of the forest they made a clearing, built a cabin and began the struggle for a home. The five years that followed were full of hard physical labor and much privation. Then after the farm had been won from the wilderness and prospects in life seemed very bright, the husband was stricken by an epidemic Aug. 14, 1851. He is remembered as a man of sterling worth, having the respect and confidence of all who knew him, and his death seemed to take him just as his greatest usefulness began.

Four children survived him, but two years later the daughter, Mary, died, aged nine. The widow with the children, remained in Ohio five years after the husbands death and moved back to her early home in Pa. In 1868 she joined her brother, Capt. J. M. Browne, at St. Charles, Ia., and lived here until her death caused by pneumonia, Nov. 24, 1894.

Her daughter Jennie (Mrs. A. J. Graham) had died in 1872 and her son Jesse D. W., died in 1887, leaving the son Andrew B., the only survivor. The funeral services were held in the little U. P. church where she had worshipped 26 years, and despite the very inclement weather the room was crowded with the friends of years, who came to pay the last tribute of love and respect. Of her achievements, from the world's standpoint, much need not be said. Duty called to no exalted walks, but here was a quiet and lowly narrow path, thick strewn with hardships and sacrifices. Widowed in her youth, bereaved of her children in old age, it would seem that her cup of sorrow was indeed very full. Yet her life was one of content and there was a resignation and patience that comes to only those who lean upon the Everlasting arms. She died triumphant in the faith in which she had lived, and her memory will be an inspiration to steadfastness, to
loyalty and .......