Bessie E. Kirk (1884-1901)

KIRK

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/11/2005 at 22:15:17

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, July 10, 1901, page 4, column 1. "OBITUARY - Bessie E. Kirk, born in Union township, Story county, Iowa, March 18, 1884, died at her home near Elwell, Iowa, July 7, 1901, aged 17 years, 3 months, 19 days. When it was reported that the fragile chord which connects the life beyond with this, had again been severed and that Miss Bessie Kirk had been called to her eternal home at 10:43 o'clock Sunday night, a pall of sorrow settled down over the community and we mourned a great loss. Yet withal there was consolation in the thought of her righteousness and the assurance of her being at peace with her God and free from the sufferings which she had been called upon to bear in this life. Miss Kirk grew to womanhood in this vicinity which has always been her home and to her were attracted a multitude of friends who loved her for her beautiful life, purity of purpose and studied aim to be of service to the world and to those with whom she mingled. She was converted in January, 1896, and united with the M. E. church in which she remained a consistent, faithful member until the time of her death, being exceptionally active in Sabbath school and Epworth League work.. Her last work was the drilling of the little folks for the Childrens' Day exercises which took place just four weeks to the day prior to her demise. She had full charge of the Childrens' Day program and the execution thereof was spoken of at the time as reflecting great credit upon her earnest work and christian spirit. Until two years ago last January she had enjoyed the best of health, at which time she suffered an attack of diphtheria which left her considerably weakened. The following July she was compelled to undergo a surgical operation for appendicitis which resulted in a great shock to her constitution and rendered her susceptible to subsequent afflictions. All that could be done for her in the way of tender nursing, pleasant surroundings and medical attendance was lavishly bestowed upon her but her life could not be preserved and she was called to the other shore to await the coming of the dear ones who now see another angelic hand beckoning them on. Her last illness was not of very long duration, and that her life was ebbing away was evident from the first. She, too, was aware that her end was near but being resigned to the will of her Heavenly Father, had no fear of death which was to her a triumphant entrance into a grander life. She was conscious until the last and conversed with those around her. It was her request that Rev. J. P. Morley, of Cambridge, pastor of the M. E. church, should preach the funeral sermon. She likewise selected the song she wished sung and the singers. The songs selected were from "Sacred Songs No. 1," being No. 40, "God Lives;" No. 126, "My Savior First of All;" No. 157, "Home of the Soul." The singers chosen were Mr. Wilbur Matthews, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Flickinger, Misses Gay and Southerland**. Miss Gertrude Matthews was selected as organist. The funeral was held from the M. E. church in Elwell at 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, and was largely attended. Her Sunday School class of little ones, occupied their regular station in the church with their teacher's vacant chair in place before them draped in mourning. It was a pathetic picture and one which will make a lasting impression upon the minds of the children, who will cherish in memory her acts of kindness and christian admonition. the remains were taken to Center Grove cemetery followed by a large concourse of friends, the procession being three quarters of a mile long. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the sorrowing family in their hour of bereavement." **Editorial note, typed as it appears in the newspaper article.