Hilpah E. Hochstetler (1914)

CALLISON, DAVIES, EVERETT, HOCHSTETLER, PEASE

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 1/15/2006 at 16:07:25

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
March 1914

Hilpah E. Pease, daughter of Shoble M. and Mila (Everett) Pease was born at Elkhart, Indiana, Feb. 3, 1841. Her parents were active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church with which she united at an early age, remaining a member throught life.

Ten years of her early womanhood were devoted to the school work of her day in which she was considered very successful. In her 27th year she was married to J. M. Hochstetler at Goshen, Ind., where they lived until the spring of 1868 when they moved to Dexter, Iowa locating on a wild prairie farm, the site of the present homestead (Penn township).

Their household goods were hauled overland from Des Moines, then the end of the Chicago Rock Island which was extended through Dexter the following summer.

The principal part of the lumber for their first modest little home was also hauled overland from Des Moines. Into this home were born five children, all of whom are still living and were present at her bedside to minister to her comfort during her last illness: Chas. H., Mame and Everett E. of Dexter, Ia., Mrs. Callison, of Cresco, Ia. and Mrs. Theo. Davies of Crosby, N. D.

Being very slight of stature and not accustomed to the privations of pioneer life, or even life on a farm, she was somewhat at a disadvantage at the beginning of her home building career but with the earnestness which characterized her girlhood, she began making the most of her surroundings. During her most active womanhood her home was one of the generous hospitality to friends and new comers alike. The key to her entire life is locked up in the one word devotion; -devotion first to her husband, her home, and her family and then to her friends and acquaintances which she numbered by the score.

No more beautiful life has passed the portals connecting Earth and Heaven than passed so quietly you could almost hear the flutter of the Angels' wings as they welcomed her to the other shore just before dawn on the morning of Feb. 27th.

For a number of years she has been in poor health and most of this time has been spent with her daughter Mrs. S. Callison, now of Cresco, but formerly of Dexter, Iowa. Her illness was of such nature as to require the most delicate care, especially at times, but during it all she seemed to have implicit confidence in her daughter's judgment and never failed to express her gratitude. One of her last remarks was : "I love everybody. You have all been so kind to me."

After a short service conducted by Rev. Kirwin at the home of Mrs. Callison her remains were accompanied by her husband, J. M Hochstetler, Mr. and Mrs. S. Callison and daughter Ruth, Mame Hochstetler and Mrs. Davies to Dexter, Iowa, where prior to interment the funeral service was conducted by Rev. C. L. Baxter of Council Bluffs, a former pastor and friend of the family, and now president of the Iowa Public Welfare League, assisted by Rev. Moore, local pastor of the M. E. church.

The basis of Rev. Baxter's remarks was the scripture passage "She hath done what she could." No greater words of praise were ever spoken at the funeral of any human being and no more fitting text could have been chosen for the closing of a life of simple sincere devotion. The great lesson of her life was written in the queenly expression which remained even after life was extinct.

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