GODFREY, Matilda 1816-1889

GODFREY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/12/2024 at 14:35:11

DIED - in Lincoln, this county, Feb. 7, 1889, Mrs. Matilda Godfrey on her 73d birthday.

She was born in Ireland, Feb. 7th, 1816. In April, 1837 she was married to Samuel Godfrey, who died three years ago on the anniversary of their marriage.

About one year after their marriage they came to America stopping for a time on Long Island, from there to Rock Co., Wis. and in 1866 came to Iowa and settled in Lincoln where they both lived and died.

A family of 11 children was given to their care, 8 of whom survive, and are among our best citizens.

Religiously she was brought up a Presbyterian, but after coming to this place she became converted to the Baptist faith, and united with the Lincoln Free Will Baptist church of which she remained an earnest and honored member. She loved the church of her choice ad all its interests.

Though of Irish birth she was a thorough American and was in full sympathy with American institutions. "Auntie" Godfrey as she was familiarly called, was a good mother, a kind neighbor, a true friend, and an earnest christian lady. She will be greatly missed in the church and community, but what will be loss to us, will be gain for her "To depart and to be with Christ which is far better."

For the past few months her religious experiences had been peculiarly rich and deep. She seemed to be ripening for the Lord's garner. One week before her death she was in church and gave a testimony which will not soon be forgotten. A severe cold laid the foundation for typhoid pneumonia from which she had not strength to recover.

Two days before her death, to her pastor, in answer to the question, "how do you feel today," she replied, "why I am happy."

May the blessings of heaven rest upon the children and friends.

The funeral was attended on Sunday the 10th inst. in the presence of a very large congregation. By her pastor, Text, Prov 16, 31 "The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness."

Her departure was peaceful, and she sleeps in Jesus.

Said Dr. Talmage "I hope you do not call this death. This is an autumnal sunset: this is a crystaline river pouring into a crystal sea, this is the solo of life overwhelmed by hallelujah chorus: this is a Queen's coronation: this is heaven"

She was buried by her husband at Osage.
M.B. Felt

~Mitchell Co. Press, Thursday, March 14, 1889; pg 8