Laura (STEPHENS) WHITE

STEPHENS, WHITE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/4/2009 at 15:29:10

The Ringgold Record, 1888

OBITUARY.

Laura STEPHENS was born August 15, 1859, in Linn county, Iowa. She was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of fifteen, was married to Dr. A. WHITE November 6, 1883, in Mt. Ayr. She died at Clearfield, Iowa, her home, October 24, 1888.

She came to Ringgold county in 1878 with her mother and brother Albert. Her brothers Geo. R. and Frank had been here a year or so at that time, the former as editor and the later as one of the printers on the Record. Her's was the fourth death in the family, a younger sister and the oldest brother having preceded her, and her father yielding up his life as a sacrifice for the dear old stars and stripes. She taught school in our county from the time she arrived till she was married, one year of which was in the public schools of our city. Her life work and chosen profession was teaching, and she was happiest when surrounded by pupils in the school room, imparting instruction and training to the youthful mind and heart. After her marriage she taught in the Clearfield schools. She was a zealous temperance worker as a member of the W.C.T.U., not going to the extremes as some do, but from a christian temperance standard, striving to do all she could for the fallen ones, and it is thought her last illness was caused by waiting and caring for one of God's poor unfortunate ones. She was never very strong, and taxed her energies too severely. The spirit was stronger than the flesh. She was an exemplary Christian highly esteemed by all, both old and young. Her life was guided and moulded by the principles of the faith she professed. She was earnest, sincere and resolute, and had such an implicit faith in the Heavenly Father that when the hour of death drew nigh she laid her burden down trustingly, prayerfully, and in a spirit of meek submission.

To her husband she said, with a happy smile, "We'll meet in the morning, darling." She also said "I know you can't see that it is best that your hearts should break now, but you will see it by and by." She declared that "all is well." Once her face lit up with smiles, she raised her hands and said, "Can't you see the glory? Can't you see it?"

According to her request she was buried at Mt. Ayr [Rose Hill Cemetery]. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church, and were conducted by Rev. Wm. B. THOMPSON. A large company of sympathizing friends were present.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008