Rebecca Ann (Mullens) Thornbrue (1842-1892)

MULLENS, THORNBRUE, SEWELL, BALLOU, BECKER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/27/2011 at 10:53:58

From Story County Watchman June 3, 1892

In this column may be found a brief account of the death of Mrs. A. Thornbrue, wife of former pastor of the M. E. Church of this city who died while on a visit to Fontanelle, Iowa, on Monday morning. Mrs. Thornbrue is a twin sister of Mrs. Ballou, wife of the editor of this paper. The 10:50 train bore the writer hereof and wife to the scene of death, and they returned home this morning at a little after three o'clock. This will explain why the WATCHMAN is late this week, and to any other shortage of local matters. We give this statement so that all may know just what has occasioned the delay, and we are satisfied all will willingly overlook it. The Fontanelle, Iowa, Observer of Wednesday has the following to say about the sad occurrance, which we copy in place of farther remarks this week, expecting to give a full obituary the coming week:

It was with pleasurable anticipations that the members of the M. E. Church and indeed all the citizens of Fontanelle looked forward to the return of their former pastor, Rev. Thornbrou, to deliver the memorial day oration, this feeling was doubly increased when word was received that Mrs. Thornbrue would accompany him. When they arrived Thursday they were heartily welcomed each one planning spend as much time as might be in their company and a general reception and supper was to be given by the Ladies Aid Society of Saturday evening so that all might have an opportunity of greeting them. No one dreamed that the dark angel of death was hovering so near although Mrs. Thornbrue's health had been bad for some time, and she was taken suddenly and seriously ill at the residence of E. C. Reynolds and at six o'clock on Monday morning was called to her eternal reward, leaving her sorrowing husband upheld only by the strong arm of christian faith and fortitude. Her two sons were telegraphed for when it was known she would not recover, Howard arrived on Sunday evening and Gaylord Monday noon, other friends were sent for and the funeral occured today at ten o'clock and the remains were tenderly placed beside her son in this cemetery. Not only was she prepared for an entrance into the heavenly portals, but she had also left her earthly home in perfect order, never expecting to return as she confided to friends here, and bringing with her the clothes in which she desired to be buried. Being a member of the ReliefCorps here that body together with the G. A. R. and the Odd Fellows including the Camp and Uniformed Rank and K. Ps, all of which Rev. Thornbrue is a member, turned out and every attention which love and attention could devise, was observed in the obsequy and funeral cortege.

From Story County Watchman June 10, 1892

IN MEMORIA.--REBECCA ANN MULLENS, wife of Rev. A. THORNBRUE, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Conway, Iowa, died at Fontanelle, Iowa, on May 30th, 1892, at 6:10 a. m., aged 50 years, 2 months, and 21 days.

It was known by her physicians and most intimate friends that she had diabetes, but non were expecting her death so soon. Her own words were, "I believe I received my death stroke when Ernest died," which was on Feb. 17th, 1891.

On Thursday, May 26th, she accompanied her husband to Fontanelle, Iowa, where he had been engaged to deliver the Memorial Address, and where they hoped to spend a few days in pleasant visitation before proceeding to Colfax, Iowa, where they were to spend sometime in complete rest, hoping that the baths and rest would prolong her life.

On Friday they visited the cemetery and the grave of their son Ernest and after carefully caring for the flowers and shrubs her last act was to plant a bridal wreath upon his grave. On Saturday morning at one o'clock she took fatally ill with Uraemia, one of the final results of diabetes, and after lingering fifty-three hours she went home to meet her first born, whom she loved as she loved her own life.

Mrs. Thornbrue was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on March 9th, 1842, and moved to Bremer County, Iowa, in 1853, residing with John H. Mullens, her father, until Feb. 23d, 1864, when she was married to A. Thornbrue, a member of Co. G, 9th Iowa Vet. Vol. Infy, who was then at home on veteran furlough. Three sons were given them in this union, Ernest H., Gaylord H., and Howard D., the two younger remaining to walk in sorrow on account of the loss of mother. She was peculiarly attached to her boys and God gave her her wish that she might "live to see them old enough to care for themselves."

At the close of the Rebellion they settled in Webster City, Iowa, in 1867 they moved to Oskaloosa, Kansas and in March, 1868, she entered upon the duties of an itinerant ministers wife, which place she has filled continuously except three years, at which time her husband was in the mercantile business at Mulberry Grove, Kansas. She has known the joys, the sorrowsm and the sacrafices of an itinerants' wife in the following places: In Kansas, Troy and Wathena, Winchester, Baxter Springs, and three months at Pawnee Station. In Iowa, Wintersett Circuit, Columbia, Russell, Nevada, Perry, Dennison, Logan, Fontanelle, and Conway. In all these places she formed many Christian associations that will be revived again in the "Haven of Rest."

She was converted and joined the M. E. Church under the ministry of Rev. S. H. Henderson in the winter of 1859-60.

Her faith in God was most pronounced, quiet and unassuming, yet full of rich things to give a hungry soul that came to her seeking spiritual help. She was well posted in regard to the nature of her disease that had attacked her, and had frequent talks with her husband about the sons which were to remain, the future life, and especially delighted in talking about the "spiritual body" and "recognition in Heaven." She calmly gave direction in regard to her funeral attire, which the friends found to be complete and ready, after which, as the final touch of a beautiful christian character she said, "I am trusting in Jesus."

The funeral services were very impressive, several ministers being present, Revs. W. E. Hamilton and W. T. Smith, D. D., making the principal addresses. Of relatives present there were the two sons, Mr. and Mrs. A. Sewell, of Waverly, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Ballou, of Nevada, Iowa, sisters of the deceased; and a peculiarly touching scene in the arrival and presence of Miss Grace Ione Becker, the affianced of the deceased son, Ernest.

The affection and tender sympathy of the people of Fontanelle was most beautiful, the church was handsomely decorated while the G. A. R. Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows wer in line to help their brother and friend.

The remains were laid to rest beside her son in Fontanelle Cemetery.

Thus closed the earthly part of the life of the faithful wife and mother, who lives in the memories of those who are left behind; who lives forever.

The following lines were found in her Chatelaine Bag after her death:

TEACH ME TO LIVE.

Teach me to live! 'Tis easier far to die--
Gently and silently to pass away
On earth along night to close the heavy eye,
And waken to the realms of glorious day.

Teach me that harder lesson-- how to live,
To serve Thee in the darkest paths of life,
Each day renew, remold this subborn will;
Closer round Thee my hearts' affections twine.

Teach me to live for self and sin no more,
But use the time remaining to me yet,
Not mine own pleasure seeking as before--
Wasting no precious hours in vain regret.

Teach me to live! No idler let me be,
But in Thy service heart and had employ
Prepared to do Thy bidding cheerfully--
Be this my highest and holiest joy.

Teach me to live!--my daily cross to bear;
Nor murmur through I bend beneath the load.
Only be with me. Let me feel Thee near--
They smitle sheds gladness on the darkest road.

Teach me to live! And find my life in Thee--
Looking from earth and earthly things away;
Let me not falter but untiringly
Press on; and gain new strength and power each day.

Teach me to live! with kindly words for all?
Wearing no cold, repulsive brow of gloom;
Waiting, with cheerful patience, till Thy call
Summons my spirit to the Heavenly home.