Williams, Mary Verbeck 1842-1889

WILLIAMS, VERBECK, HYATT, CRAVER, TYE, HOUSE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/15/2016 at 16:50:34

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
July 5, 1889

MRS. H.W. WILLIAMS.

The funeral of this estimable lady was held at her late residence on Monday morning, June 24th, the services being conduced by Rev. H.M. Tenney. The following sketch of her life was read by Rev. G.H. White, and is published by special request.

Mrs. Williams was born in Stanstead, Canada, three miles from the Vermont line, June 13th, 1842. She was mature beyond her years, and when only sixteen was called to teach the school in her own district. She became a very successful teacher, and was engaged in that capacity about twenty years.

Naturally very fond of music, largely by her own exertions, she became quite proficient as a pianist, and for many years taught music. At times here in Grinnell her class numbered forty scholars. She loved to teach, and had scholars up to the day she was taken sick.

She was a lady of great strength of character, energetic, active, resolute, yet affectionate as a child. Her life was spent in ceaseless activities. She was always doing little kindnesses to others, helping to make them happy. A lady who has been much in her family and knew her intimately says, "She was one of the noblest, best, most unselfish women I ever knew." The keynote of her life was thoughtfulness for others. Hiding all her own troubles, she was constantly on the alert to make others happy. Her most conspicuous trait was the desire to minister, rather than to be ministered unto.

Greatly delighting in the society of the young, for years she has had young gentlemen and ladies boarding with her, taking an interest in their studies, and in all their little plans. Many of these young ladies have sat down beside her, and with their arms about her neck, as though she was their own mother, have sought her counsellings and guidance; and the eyes of many who have shared her motherly love under this roof, will well with tears when they hear Mrs. Williams has passed away. She took a deep interest also in her domestics, inspiring them with a desire to obtain an education, and planning for them lines of study and culture.

With all her varied duties she was still stretching out for further intellectual improvement. She was cultivating her taste for painting. Her Chautauqua course was nearly completed. She was an enthusiastic member of the Historical and Literary Circle. Only the week before her final sickness began she assisted in preparing an outline of the studies in English History for that society the coming year. A touching tribute to her memory from that circle was placed by her casket,--a pillow of flowers inscribed with the initial letters H.L.C.

Ten years ago last Thanksgiving day she was married to Mr. Williams and during all these years she has been the moulding spirit of the home. The two daughters, with frail constitutions, she cherished with a true mother's love; ministered to them day and night in their sickness, won them to health, directed them in their studies. Her only child, Frank, died when six months old, Sept. '82. Eight weeks ago she was stricken with the disease which terminated her life. Her sufferings were intense, but were borne with great patience and resignation. And now that she is gone, how great a vacancy is left, no words of ours can express. After a few weeks these rooms will be so still: Abbie out on the shores of the Pacific; Nettie and the little child Frank and the mother in heaven; the husband and father here alone. The depth of such sorrow we may talk about; we may moralize over it; only he who has passed through it can know it.

Of her immediate family relatives, the aged mother now almost fourscore, still remains. One of Mrs. Williams' last expressions was a tender "good night" to her mother. Six brothers and sisters also remain: C.H. Verbeck, Mrs. Hyatt and Mrs. T.S. Craver, of Grinnell; Mrs. O.A. Verbeck, of Aurora, Ills.; Mrs. C.W. Verbeck of Wessington, Dak.; and Mrs. J.W. Tye, of Boston. Frank House, her nephew, has been like and adopted son for years.

Several years ago, under the ministrations of Dr. Sturtevant, she united with the Congregational church, but now she has passed from the church militant to the church triumphant. She had taken a deep interest in those of her family who this commencement week finish their college course and receive their diplomas. To her it has been granted this week to finish her earthly course, and to receive from the hands of the Master her diploma, inscribed with the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

NOTE: This microfilm was hard to read.