Blackstock, Agnes 1819-1907

BLACKSTOCK, AGNEW, RICHIE, FERSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/15/2010 at 09:56:39

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Nov. 19, 1907

OBITUARY

Agnes Agnew Richie was born in County Down, Ireland, Nov. 20, 1819, and departed this life Friday morning, Nov. 8, 1907, aged 87 years, 11 months and 22 days.

In 1840 she married John Blackstock. To this union were born eight children; four in Ireland and four in America. Mr. Blackstock passed away on Oct. 27, 1873, and the youngest daughter died at the age of thirteen years. The remaining children are still living. They are: Agnes Ferson of Ewart; John of Lucas Co.; David and Hugh of Rock Island; William of Pennsylvania; Alex of Lucas Co.; and James of Clarinda.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackstock with their children came to America in 1850 and three years later moved to Rural, Ill., where they lived for many years.

Mrs. Blackstock made profession of her faith and united with the church when twelve years of age, and has lived a consistent Christian life. For over 40 years she lived in the bounds of Homestead congregation near Coal Valley, Ill., of which church she remained a member until the time of her death.

For eleven years she lived with her daughter Mrs. Agnes Ferson near Ewart. A few weeks ago she was taken to Pennsylvania to spend her closing days with her son, William. Here she peacefully passed away.

For many years Mrs. Blackstock has been a constant sufferer. Many times it was thought that the end was approaching, but each time she rallied.

During the last few years she lost her eyesight and these long months have been spent in physical darkness, yet within her heart was the Light of Life, which grew brighter as the light faded from her eyes.

Her life was an inspiration and a benediction to many a heart, and in her death a saint of God has gone from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant.

On Nov. 12, 1907 brief funeral services were held at the home of her son Hugh Blackstock in Rock Island. Thence the company proceeded to the old Homestead church where the sermon was preached by her former pastor, Rev. W.W. Woodburn, Rev. S.F. Clark of the Homestead Church assisting in the services. The remains were laid to rest on the hillside beside the body of her husband, there to await the trumpet of resurrection morn.