Elizabeth (Jennings ) Hand

JENNINGS, HAND, CONLON, NOONAN

Posted By: Kathleen Frailey Puls (email)
Date: 6/25/2008 at 16:09:16

Emmetsburg Democrat, Palo Alto Co., Wednesday, October 9, 1912

MRS. T. D. HAND IS DEAD

Was One of the Pioneers of Great Oak Township.

Our citizens were pained to learn of the death of Mrs. Thomas D. Hand which occurred at her home in Great Oak township last Saturday. Brief mention was made in last week's Democrat concerning her dangerous illness. Mrs. Hand went to Sioux City last fall where she spent some time in a hospital. Dr. Jeppeson, the noted surgeon, performed an operation on her. The wound healed but she never regained her strength. During the winter, spring and summer it was apparent to members of her family and friends that she would not be likely to recover, although all fervently hoped that some change would come to restore her health and strength. However, they were doomed to disappointment. She was finally called from those who so much needed her loving care and attention. The funeral was held Monday forenoon. The services were conducted in the Assumption church in this city, Rev. L. Carroll of Ayrshire, for many years her pastor, officiating. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. The funeral was one of the largest that has been witnessed in this locality for several years. The pall bearers were six first cousins of the deceased - Thomas H. Conlon, James Conlon, Michael Conlon, James P. Jennings, P. Jennings and Dennis Noonan.

Elizabeth Jennings, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Jennings, was born at Morris, Illinois, June 22, 1859. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of Great Oak township. January 24, 1882, she was united in marriage to Thomas Hand. Mr. Hand passed away several years ago. She is survived by four sons and one daughter. The sons are John F., Thomas, Joseph and William. The daughter is Maggie. All reside in this county.

The writer was acquainted with Mrs. Hand for many years and he learned early to regard her as a woman of sincerity, usefulness, and benevolence. He has never heard those who were intimate with her as a neighbor speak of her in any but terms of high praise. She knew well her place in the community that claimed her as a member. She was thoughtful, kind and patient. She had ever a good word for those who deserved it and genuine compassion for those who, through weakness or misfortune, might have failed to attain success in life's struggles. Her example as a wife and mother was an inspiration to those who had an opportunity of placing a proper estimate on her many purposes and actions. Her faithful husband died a number of years ago, leaving to her the care of five children who were comparatively small and young. This, of course, was the trying time of her life, but she never lost heart. Her industry, painstaking efforts, and motherly zeal fully made up for the great loss that she sustained. The public knows well the outcome of this test of her worth as a mother. Though she has been called from those who, in childhood, were forced to look to her alone for guidance and sustenance, she has left them strong of body, mind and character - blessings that they will learn to prize the more they grow in experience and wisdom. The Democrat joins their many relatives in extending sincere sympathy to them in the great loss that they have sustained.