Ferson, Agnes Blackstock 1841-1920

FERSON, BLACKSTOCK, THOMPSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/16/2010 at 17:53:33

The Grinnell Herald; Nov. 30, 1920

MRS. AGNES FERSON

Agnes Blackstock Ferson was born in Newton Ards, Ireland, Feb. 24, 1841 and departed this life Wednesday Nov. 24, 1920, aged 79 years and 9 months.

On April 7, 1860, she was united in marriage to Mr. Joseph Ferson in Rock Island, Ill. They moved to Iowa about 50 years ago and have resided in this county ever since. Six children were born to them. Three of these preceded their parents in death.

For many years Mr. and Mrs. Ferson lived near Ewart, where their children grew to manhood and womanhood. Their home was noted for its wonderful hospitality, kindness, sympathy and enduring friendship. Joseph Ferson, the husband and father, died March 10, 1908. Mrs. Ferson felt the loss most keenly and though her children tried to comfort her and were very devoted to her, yet no earthly friend could fill the place of him who was gone.

Nov. 1, 1911 Mrs. Ferson moved to Grinnell and here she and her son Hugh lived together until her death.

Mrs. Ferson made profession of faith in Christ when 16 years of age and joined the United Presbyterian church of Homestead in Illinois. Soon after coming to Iowa she joined the U.P. church in Ewart, and on moving to Grinnell she placed her membership in the U.P. church here. During all these years she has been a faithful and devoted Christian.

For a number of years she has been a constant sufferer yet bore it all patiently. It was a great joy to her to go to the house of God and so long as she was able she came on every opportunity. In her last illness she was most tenderly and lovingly cared for by her children. As she approached the gates she seemed to look beyond and said she would spend the next Sabbath in the other home.

She leaves to mourn her loss two sons, Hugh and David of this city and one daughter, Mamie Thompson of Valley Junction, Ia., also four brothers, John, David, William and Alex, and many other relatives and friends. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints."

Funeral service was held at the United Presbyterian church, Grinnell, Sunday, Nov. 28, conducted by her pastor and interment was made Monday in the cemetery at Ewart.