Helen Augusta Baldwin Ferguson (1839-1921)

FERGUSON, BALDWIN

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/30/2005 at 22:14:49

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, February 10, 1921, page 1, column 5. "MRS. R. A. FERGUSON. - After an illness of some two or three years, Mrs. R. A. Ferguson, former resident of Maxwell, passed away at her home in Newton, Kansas, last Saturday. Accompanied by the two sons, R. D. and R. C. Ferguson, and wives, the body of Mrs. Ferguson was brought to Maxwell Monday and on Tuesday was buried from the Presbyterian church at 2:30 in the afternoon, the funeral sermon being delivered by Rev. R. L. Vanice, of Wauken, Iowa, an old friend of the family. Interment was made in the Maxwell cemetery by the side of her husband and daughter. Obituary. - Helen Augusta Baldwin was born in Edward county, New York, September 19, 1839, and died at Newton, Kansas, February 5, 1921, aged eighty one years, four months and nineteen days. When she was five years of age the family moved to Abingdon, Illinois. Her girlhood was spent there. There she received her education and grew to womanhood, and near Abingdon she was united in marriage with Rev. Robert A. Ferguson, October 25, 1866. Three children were born to them, R. D., of Centerville, South Dakota; Delia Alice, who died at Halstead, Kansas, July 28, 1919, and R. C. of Halstead, Kansas. The husband and father was called away by death, May 13, 1899. She leave a brother, A. E. Baldwin, and a sister, C. E. Baldwin, both of Newton, Kansas. Mrs. Ferguson was converted and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church in early life of which she was an honored member. She loved her husband and was always his companion and trusted helper and counselor. Rev. Ferguson was pastor of several churches in Illinois and Iowa and wherever they lived Mrs. Ferguson was honored and loved. The writer made her acquaintance while they were living at Nevada in 1889. The year following they moved to Maxwell and he was frequently their guest. A strong friendship grew up with both pastor and wife. Mrs. Ferguson was one of whose friendship he has ever been proud. Death to her was not unexpected. She had been pronounced us face to face with it for near three years. Something like two years before the end she made arrangements for her funeral, which arrangements we are trying to carry out today. The sudden death of her husband was a severe blow and when dear Allie was take the ties of earth were weakened and she began to think that it was time for her to go. She loved her boys, but they seemed able to care for themselves. Why should she linger. So gradually she sunk to rest from her long years of labor of love. R. L. Vanice." "Card of Thanks. - To our friends and former neighbors of Maxwell, whose sympathy and services were so kindly tendered in our time of bereavement, we desire to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation. Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Ferguson."