Helen Usher Wait 1843-1904

USHER, WAIT, CLARK

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/23/2006 at 15:00:48

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1904

Death of Mrs. David H. Wait.

Mrs. David Wait died at her home in this city last Wednesday at 11 a.m. She was taken with heart trouble about five weeks ago. Later pleurisy set in, but the attending physician removed some water from her right lung, which relieved her . She felt pretty well until shortly before her death when she took a sudden change for thew worse and soon after passed away. The funeral was held Friday. Services were held at the Congregational church and the interment was in Evergreen cemetery. There was quite a large procession. The pall bearers were John Ketchen, Robert Ketchen, Thomas Young, William Young, Alexander Gowans, and George Frederick.

Helen Usher was born at Lander, Berwickshire, Scotland, February 19, 1843. Her early life was spent in her native country. February 23, 1871, she became the wife of David H. Wait. Mr. and Mrs. Wait came to America in 1882 and settled on a farm in Independence township. They were frugal and thrifty and prospered. A couple of years ago they moved to Emmetsburg and built a neat home in the northeast part of town, but, as is often the case, when the time comes for the growing old to seek the comforts of retirement for a few years, death enters to disturb the peaceful scene. Three sons and three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wait. The sons are Alexander, John, and David. The surviving daughters are Miss Helen and Mrs. V.H. Clark. One daughter died in Scotland. Owing to the rather suddenness of her departure, none of the sons were present when Mrs. Wait passed away, though all were on hand to attend the funeral.

The community in which the deceased lived so long knew no more worthy wife and mother than Mrs. Wait. She was ever the same generous, open-minded, out-spoken woman whom the settlers of 22 years ago had learned to respect. She was distinctly a home woman. Her highest aim was to minister to those who most needed her loving, helpful care and attention. She was a typical Scotch lady and she was ever ready to extend a word of cheer and hope to those who mingled with her in life’s trying duties. She was an earnest, devoted Christian lady, preferring worthy deeds to formalities. The influence of such a woman will wherever felt make a lasting impression on the lives of those about her and inspire them to deeds of honor and righteousness. The profound sympathy of the Democrat is extended to the bereft husband and other members of this most worthy family.