HOPKINS, Elizabeth (Baird) 1825-1903

BAIRD, HOPKINS, TUPPER, SHELDON, ENCELL

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 1/23/2008 at 09:01:46

HOPKINS.

Elizabeth Baird was born in Otsego, Co., N.Y., February 1, 1825, and died at Lincoln, Mitchell Co., Ia., July 10, 1903.

She was married to Mr. Spencer F. Hopkins in 1845. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Illinois, where for a few years they endured such privations and hardships as are known only to pioneers in a new country.

Three children came to bless their home. The names are as follows: Cora E., the deceased wife of Mr. John Sheldon; Lydia A., the wife of Mr. Geo. Tupper; and Mary L., the wife of Mr. W.R. Encell of Brooklyn, New York. She leaves two children, nine grandchildren, and scores of warm personal friends who will long remember her because of her kindness, patience and love. She became identified with the M.E. church in her girlhood, and for more than sixty years was a faithful consistent Christian.

She was not demonstrative in her piety, but her faith became manifest in her every day life and work. Both her husband and herself were Methodists of the old school. She loved the classmeeting and always gave a clear helpful testimony. Her generosity and kindness were shown to many. Nothing pleased her more than to be helpful to others. Even when traveling she could find a sick child who needed to be cared for, thus would help even among strangers, by her thoughfulness. In doing this she was forgetful of self.

Her husband died two years ago. It is now about thirty-five years since they came to Iowa, where they settled near Newhaven. Part of the time since she has lived in Lincoln and part of the time in Osage. Within the last few weeks she felt that her strength (missing).