PRIME, Margaret Francine Bourne 1812-1899

PRIME, BOURNE

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 1/29/2009 at 11:36:56

#1:

Osage News April 20, 1899

The Osage papers bring news of the death of Mrs. Margaret Prime, of that city at the home of her son, Gen. John R. Prime, in Des Moines.

Of Mrs. Prime it has been said that she was one of those noble woman that grow beautiful as they grow old.

Her sweet calm face and her christian beauties of character will linger as a benediction in the minds of all who knew her.

(Sioux Rapids Press)

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#2:

Death of Mother Prime.

On Saturday forenoon, March 31, the funeral services of Mrs. Benjamin Prime were held in the Universalist church of this place under the direction of her pastor, Rev. J. L. Everton.

A large audience was present to render honor to one who was so long and so favorably known in this community. Rev. B. D. Smith read the scripture lesson and Rev. W. W. Gist offered prayer.

Rev. Everton preached a short sermon in which he paid a much deserved tribute to the life and character of Mrs Prime. Rev. Smith, followed with a few remarks in which he spoke of the beauty and power of the life of the deceased. Rev. W. W. Gist read a brief sketch of her life the substance of which we give: Margaret Frances Bourne was born at Asford county of Kent, September 15, 1812, and died in Des Moines, Iowa, March 28, 1899.

Her father was a captain in the British army and was wounded in the battle of Waterloo. This caused his death a little later. She grew to womanhood amid the green fields of England and then with her father’s family sought a home in the country against which her fatherland was fighting when she first saw the light of day.

She left England June 14, 1829, and landed at New York August 11. The voyage thus required 59 days. It is said that she enjoyed every day of the long trip. She had naturally a happy joyful, hopeful disposition. She always looked on the bright side of things. Although she must have realized that the chance of ever returning to her native land were comparatively few, she took a roseate view of life and enjoyed to the fullest the beauty, grandeur and sublimity of the mighty ocean upon which she was tossed for more than eight weeks.

Her home was in the state of New York for more than twenty-five years. On the 5th of December, 1837, she was united in marriage to Benjamin Prime in Utica, New York, and her married life
extended over a period of thirty-three years and more.

In the winter of 1855 the family removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, where they resided for a nearly a year and a half. On the first of April 1857, the family came to West Mitchell, Iowa, and for almost forty-two years she was a resident of this county. Her husband died on the 18th of March, 1871, and in 1874 she came to Osage to live.

She was the mother of six children, two daughters and four sons. Three sons survive her and were at the funeral to call her blessed, John, Frank and Edward. She had eight grandchildren and two great grand-children. One sister resides at Sacketts Harbor, New York.

Without any exaggeration it may be said that Mrs. Prime was one of the noblest and truest of women. This is the testimony of those who have known her for more than forty years in this community. It is the testimony of those who have known her during the latter years of her life only. She was wonderfully active for one of her years and her mind was strong, clear and vigorous to the last. She was a member of the Chautauqua circle of this city and took a deep interest in the work. She was one of the truest and most loving of mothers. This is not only the testimony of her own children, but of all who knew her real life. Her motherly love extended far beyond her own home. She was a true mother to all who sought her advice, her sympathy and her audience in times of trouble.

She exemplified in her life the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ whom she loved and served. She was a most beautiful woman, beautiful in features and beautiful in character. Sometime before she died she gathered her children about her bed and bade them farewell, saying that she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. A little later she went to sleep in Jesus. It was a fit ending to a most unselfish life.

[Osage News April 14, 1899]