WEBSTER, Jane M. (nee Hicks)(Dorrow) 1824-1901

HICKS, WEBSTER, DORROW

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/8/2010 at 11:46:46

OBITUARY: Jane M. Hicks Webster, 1824-1901

Jane Maria Hicks was born at Stafford, Conn., September 21, 1824, and died at Osage March, 18, 1901.

In 1854 she came west to Illinois with the other members of her father's family, with whom she had made her home until this time. Soon afterward she was married to Henry Dorrow with whom she lived until his death about 1874. Just thirteen years ago this month she was united in marriage to L. B. Webster with whom she lived until her death.

Her father was a Baptist minister and the result of her early training was that she experienced religion while young and thus was prepared for a long period of usefulness. At different places where she has been she has had charge of the infant class. In the Sunday school being endowed with particular talent for interesting children. After coming to Osage, she soon won a warm place in the hearts of her acquaintances by her motherly devotion and her genuine goodness.

She was a faithful and devoted member of her church. She loved the church as the body of Christ and His glorification was the joy of her life. Providence seems to have cast her lot largely with the sick, perhaps because she had the patience and the spirit to care for them, "I was sick and ye visited me."

She nursed her own mother in her last illness. She was also called upon to nurse a daughter of her first husband for nine years just preceding the latter's death. He was an invalid. After his death she nursed her father and stepmother until they were called away. In the meantime she had had much of the care of her brother's children. It is still fresh in memory, how a few months ago she cared for her own beloved Jennie until death separated them. When Jennie was hesitating to leave her mother the latter promised for her comfort that she would come ere long.

There remains behind to mourn her departure a husband; a brother, Rev. H. R. Hicks, and his family of Paupau, Illinois, a nephew, Rev. Everett P. Mathewson of Hopkinson, R. I. and ten step-children. The children testify that she has been a mother to them. Someone remarked that she had no children of her own, that she might be a mother to all of her friends.

Her's was a triumphant life and a triumphant death. Unselfishness and self forgetfulness seemed to characterize all. She said she was glad to go were it not for the greater burden thrown upon those left behind. In His mercy God gave he visions of the beyond. She said she was near the river and later said she saw her treasure, Jennie. Heaven as her home.

The funeral service was held March 20th at her home northeast of Osage, conducted by her pastor Rev. D. I. Coon of the Baptist church.

Submitted 2001 by Marilyn Oconnor