Wadsworth, Harriett D. (1918)

WADSWORTH, BLODGETT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 3/10/2016 at 16:35:58

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Nov. 19, 1918

MRS. HARRIET D. WADSWORTH

It was a gentle and merciful touch of Death which released Mrs. Harriet D. Wadsworth from weakness and suffering last Friday morning. She had been an invalid for several years past and helpless for many months. She had longed for spiritual liberation from physical limitations, and all who knew her feel that she was ready and eager for that Greater Life of the Spirit to which Death leads us.

There are many friends, neighbors and citizens of Grinnell who will remember with appreciation her fine character and gracious presence. She was truly a Christian gentle-woman, exemplifying those best qualities which make for righteousness and happiness in the world. The fruits of the spirit which Paul enumerates as traits of the people of God's Kingdom were certainly talents which Mrs. Wadsworth possessed and cultivated: "Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

Her family and those who have ever been neighbors and friends will cherish the memory of her unfailing helpfulness and exceedingly generous friendliness.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth belonged to good old New England families. Mrs. Wadsworth's early home was in New Hampshire, where she was born just slightly eighty years ago. She was a part of that sterling older generation which has contributed a wealth of splendid tradition and actual Christian achievement for the betterment of this community and the world.

The Wadsworth family moved to Grinnell thirty-five years ago, in order to insure for the children superior educational advantages, and during this time Mrs. Wadsworth's home was in our city, although occasionally she spent some months with her son who lives in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

For many years, Mrs. Wadsworth's own home here was a cheerful, hospitable, social center but after her husband's death, which occurred twenty-five years ago, she made her home with her son's family now living on Park street, where she has been an honored mother and grandmother.

She was not merely a devoted homemaker, but equally loyal to church relationships, and a lifelong worker for temperance and social purity.

Soon after taking up residence in Grinnell she joined the Congregational church and consequently furthered its highest interests by beauty of character and useful service in good works. Not a few in town will recall her ministrations while she was a deaconess of this church. SHe was also a staunch supporter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and an enthusiastic member of the Reading Circle to which she belonged--the Elizabeth Earl Magoun Club. Such loveliness of spirit is an influence of lasting benediction and joy for the family, friends and all who were acquainted with Mrs. Wadsworth.

This afternoon her three children, Mr. E.A. Wadsworth of Grinnell, Mr. William Wadsworth of Henryetta, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Mabel W. Blodgett of Minneapolis, together with their families and a large number of friends and neighbors, are paying tribute to the memory of a mother dearly loved, and a life well-lived.

After the funeral services at three o'clock, held at her son's home, Mrs. Wadsworth's body will be laid to rest beside that of her husband in Hazelwood cemetery.