McKellar, Isabell (Mrs. Peter), 1837 or 38-1899

MCKELLAR, MCARTHUR

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/19/2014 at 00:17:07

Mrs. P. McKellar passed away at twelve o'clock last night, after bidding all her friends adeau[sic] yesterday. Such a parting is truly sad, but her death was such a peaceful one, free from every pain of body or regret of mind, she told those at her bedside, that it seems a blessed and glorious departure for higher realms of eternal bliss. The family has been bereaved of an exceptionally devoted wife and loving mother. An obituary notice of completeness is impossible this morning, so it will not be attempted till next week.

Source: Sioux County Bee and Rock Valley Register, March 24, 1899.

* * * * * * * * * *

Called to Her Reward.

Isabel McArthur was born in Argleshire, Scotland on October 22, 1838, and came with her parents to America when seven or eight years of age and settled near Elgin, Ill., where she grew into beautiful womanhood. In 1864--thirty-five years ago last month, she was united in marriage to Peter McKellar and some years later they moved from their Illinois home of Fayette county, Iowa, afterward moving to West Union in the same county. Seven years later found them residents of this community, where they have resided ever since. Her husband and three children--two sons and one daughter, survive her to mourn their loss through her death which occurred at twenty minutes past twelve o'clock, Friday morning, March 24, 1899.

Mrs. McKellar was a lady of splendid Christian character, quiet, gentle, unassuming disposition, kind and lovable toward all. Her spirituality was marked. Like the apostle, John, she leaned constantly on the Master's bosom. Although a great sufferer during the weeks of her illness, yet her thoughts were almost constantly of others. She longed for the salvation of her friends and relatives who were out of Christ's fold. The last hours previous to her departure were filled with sweet peace. She conversed freely with all and invited many to her bedside that she might bid them a loving farewell. No regrets disturbed her mind and no pain annoyed her physically. She was going home to Jesus. She expressed the hope that her death might be the means of bringing a number to her Savior. [Followed by quotations from the Bible.]

The funeral occurred Saturday from the United Presbyterian church and was very largely attended. Rev. Huizenga read from the scriptures, I. Corinthians, 15-56. Rev. Plummer followed with prayer. Then Rev. Anderson preached an eloquent and impressive sermon, taking as his text, the last clause of the 54th verse, 15th chapter, I Corinthians, "Death is Swallowed Up in Victory." The choir rendered a very beautiful anthem and at several intervals the voice of the audience rose in appropriate songs. The remains were interred in the cemetery south of town, a large number of friends following them to their last resting place. The floral offerings were many and rich in design among the number being a beautiful cross tendered by the Good Templars.

(Followed by Resolutions of Respect from Rock Valley Independent Order of Good Templars No. 456, on behalf of their member Don McKellar, son of the deceased.)

Source: Sioux County Bee and Rock Valley Register, March 31, 1899.

* * * * * * * * * *

A note about her death in the Hull Index (March 24) says that A. F. McKellar, assistant cashier in the State Bank of Hull, is her son.

A brief news note in the Sioux County Herald (Orange City) (February 8), Rock Valley news, says that Mrs. Peter McKellar is quite sick with the grippe coupled with other complaints.

The 1880 U.S. census has Peter (42), a carpenter, and Isabell (41) McKellar, both born Scotland, living in West Union, Iowa with daughters Anna (12) and Ethel E (8) and son Freddie A. (10).

The Sioux County Cemetery Index has McKellar, Isabell, 1837-1899, Valley View Cem Rock Valley; and McKellar, Peter, 1837-1920, Valley View Cem Rock Valley.