BLACK, Celestia

BLACK, BASTON, BOSTON, TANDY, BOMGARTEL

Posted By: Judy Dankert Parsons (not related) (email)
Date: 1/27/2006 at 18:57:45

Obituary clipping found pasted in geography book of Calvin TANDY.

Departed this life February 20, 1900, at 4:00 a.m. of lung and heart trouble, Celesta (sic) Boston (sic) Black, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Boston (sic), near Leighton. The deceased leaves a husband, two sons, Ramond, aged two years and six months, and little Forest, five months, father, mother, and brother. The only sister preceded her six years ago to that beautiful home above.

Mr. and Mrs. Black formerly lived in Peoria, Ill., but last spring they returned to the parental home on account of Celesta's ill health. It seemed as though her health became worse and worse. Everything was done that was possible for her recovery.

Last Autumn it was thought best to go south, but climate seemed to have no effect on the disease, and the first of January they returned to Leighton. Ever since Celesta has returned she failed very fast, one could almost see her grow weaker and poorer every day until her death.

She was sitting in a chair when she passed away, but had become so weak that she was carried from bed to chair. During all this suffering Celesta was so patient and willing to do whatever was for the best without a murmur.

How calm Celesta looked, although traces of suffering could be told on that sweet, white face, yet she had a peaceful reposed look as if she was resting. She was robed in white, rested in a snowy white casket and there were many beautiful flowers, an indication of purity.

Before this dear one was taken from the home, the sweet little babe, that it's mother had not seen since it was two weeks old, was brought in and the little innocent thing looked on that cold form of its mother. What a sad sight; if that mother only could have clasped her sweet little babe to her bosom.

The casket was carried by six girls, who were relatives of the deceased. She was borne from her home in a white hearse, drawn by white horses. Even the earth was robed in white, for the feathery flakes fell all day. It seemed as though nature endeavored to help hide the dark side. The funeral services were conducted at the Leighton Reformed church, February 21, at 2 p.m., by Rev. Bomgartel.

The songs sang were so touching and so impressive, as they sang of those "Beautiful Hands," how true those beautiful hands were beckoning sorrowing ours to come up higher, and another song, "Crossing the River, One by One," Yes, Celesta has crossed over just a little while before, soon those that are left behind will be called to cross the river of Death.

Internment made in Olivet Cemetery.