Alice O’Neil 1891-1911

O’NEIL

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/7/2012 at 00:31:25

Mapleton Press
19 October 1911

Death of Alice O’Neil

At St. Joseph's hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, of peritonitis, on Oct 16, 1911, occurred an event which brought sorrow to the hearts and tears to the eyes of many people. At that time death entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. O'Neil, and with his glittering eye's, cut short the life of their daughter, Alice, the pride of the family. Coming as it did, unexpectedly after a short illness of one week, her death cast a gloom upon all who knew her, and left a wound in the hearts of her parents and friends that time will not heal and a vacancy the future can’t feel. Those who knew her will remember her as having a cheerful and happy disposition, always more thoughtful of others than herse.

She was born January 1, 1891 and entered the Mapleton schools in September, 1897 graduating with the class of 1909. She never forgot her class motto, which she repeated during her illness "Success Follows Perseverance" for two years she has successfully taught in the district schools, and has also taken on active part in Sunday school and church work.

It might be well said of Alice that when she one gained a place in a heart she had gained it for eternity and the many kindly inquiries during her last illness, the sorrow and distress of her parents and friends at her death, and the innumerable beautiful floral offerings show in what love and esteem she was held by all. And we feel truly thankful there was not one in all the concourse of acquaintance who who filled the house at the last service but what remembered some little act of kindness some deed of Alice.

We would say to the sorrowing relatives and friends that the sou1 of Alice has but changed the robes of earth for the more beautiful vestment of eternity and when they listen for the voice they knew so well, and hear it not, let them listen for it in those mansions which were not built by human hands, and when each of them are called to meet their maker they can go more willingly, knowing that one of the purest and most spotless gems that sparks in the brilliant crown upon the Savior's head is that gem they knew as Alice.

May they each in the fullness of their hearts send up to Him who first gave her the life we have lost this prayer "Oh, thank God for death, for by death comes immortality.

She leaves to mourn her loss besides the immediate family many relatives and hosts of sorrowing friends.

Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 19, at 1 o'clock, by Rev W. H. Amos, of Ida Grove and the remains were laid to rest in Heisler cemetery.