Mary Ann Rawlings 1829-1911

RAWLINGS

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 10/19/2015 at 08:33:12

GRANDMA RAWLINGS AT REST

Lived to Ripe Old Age—Funeral Services held at Pilot Grove, Conducted by Former Pastor, Rev. J. H. Freedline of Audubon, Iowa.

Interment at Pilot Grove Center Cemetery.

Mary Ann Cayzer was born in St. Columb, Cornwell, England March 10, 1829 and fell peacefully asleep at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. C. Fuller in Elliott, Iowa, July 21, 1911, aged eighty-two years, four months and eleven days.

July 24, 1853 she was united in marriage with Thomas Rawlings, who preceded her to the Spirit World February 27, 1900. To this union were born eleven children; three preceded the mother to the Great Beyond. Those who survive are as follows: Thomas Rawlings, of Fullerton, Nebr., James C. of Red Oak, Iowa, Mrs. S. C. Fuller, Mrs. Elizabeth Hipwell, Mrs. Mary Petty, William C., John A., and Richard, all of Elliott, Iowa. Twenty-four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, with a host of friends and acquaintances, only one brother, who resides in California, all of whom mourn the departure of a kind mother, a loving sister and a faithful servant of God.

When only eight years old she was converted and united with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, at St. Columb, England. In 1872 she came to America and united with the Primitive Methodist in Wisconsin. When she came to Iowa, she united with the Pilot Grove M. E. Church and remained a faithful member of the same until translated to the Church Triumphant. Her children and all who knew her rise up and call her blessed, for she was a humble and devoted servant of the Master, whom she served for seventy-four years.

The last time Rev. Freedline visited her, she quoted those beautiful words found in Revelation 7th chapter, 13, 14, 15th verses, which served as her funeral text. “What are these which array in white robes? And whence came they? And he said to me, these are they, which came out of tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Grandma Rawlings’ work is well done. Her life will influence others to live better and see the beauty of a life of service, such as she has lived. The earth is sadder for her departure, but Heaven is happier for her presence.

The funeral services were held last Sunday at Pilot Grove at 3 p. m. conducted by Rev. J. H. Freedline, assisted by Rev. D. S. Thompson and Rev. Rink of Stuart, Ia., and were largely attended by friends and neighbors for many miles around, who came to show their respect for the departed and to extend sympathy to the living. Not more than half who came could find room in the church where the deceased had long been an earnest worker and a regular attendant. The funeral procession from Elliott to Pilot Grove was more than a quarter of a mile long and it seemed as though twice as many people were there ahead. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. H. Freedline by request of the departed and the beautiful songs which were sung by a double quartette were chosen by the family. The singers were Mesdames M. I. Jones, Ira Hartman, Geo. Selby, Miss Perle Reynolds, Messers L. E. Burris, R. C. Logan, J. E. Walker, C. F. Cadwell. Mrs. R. C. Logan presiding at the organ. The floral offerings were very appropriate. After the services all that was mortal was laid to rest in the Pilot Grove Center Cemetery by the side of her husband who had passed on before.

THE ELLIOTT GRAPHIC, ELLIOTT, Iowa, July 27, 1911.