Ava Rene Sargent (1893-1894)

SARGENT

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/19/2005 at 08:41:41

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, February 1, 1894, page 4. “Peoria City – Death, the sable winged messenger has come to the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Sargent, and claimed as his victim their only darling little girl, Alva** Rene, aged 7 months. Out of a family of six children three boys survive; two little girls preceeded** this one some years ago. She was a bright little jewel, the evening and morning star of their home. The mother and father and little boys almost made her their idol. But the cold hand of death loves a shining mark. She was always a delicate and frail incarnate angel that came just long enough to make a tie in the glory word. Dear to all, but to none as its parents, none miss her as they do as she lived in their hearts. Oh the speechless witnesses that testify that she was here to bless their home seven short months; her lonely cradle, her empty high chair, her little rattler, all tell in silent tones that little Ava** has gone like a little bird from its nest, to where no disease, pain or death can reach her. Well might the poet say: Unto our Father’s will alone, Our thoughts hath reconciled, That He, whose love exceedeth ours Hath taken home his child, Hold her, oh Father in thine arms, And let her henceforth be, A messenger of love between Our human heart and thee. The funeral was held Jan. 27, at 1 p. m. by Rev. Ferguson, from those words, “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not,” after which loving hands laid the loved one away in the Peoria cemetery with its kindred till the resurrection of the dead.” **Editorial note – both spellings of Ava/Alva were used. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are from the original newspaper article.