Irene Augusta (Boynton) Whipple (1841-1885)

BOYNTON, WHIPPLE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/16/2015 at 21:55:14

From Nevada Representative January 14, 1885

From Cheyenne Paper
Burial of Mrs. Whipple.

The funeral of Mrs. D. F. Whipple occurred at her late home Sunday afternoon. Despite the cold and blustering wind the attendance was so large that only a portion of those present could gain admittance to the house. In addition to the friends and relatives present, members of the Grand Army and of the Sons of Veterans attended in uniform and conducted the remains to the cemetery. Rev. C. M. Sanders, assisted by Rev. Mr. Nunn, conducted the services. The singing was conducted by Professor Inman who was assisted by Messrs. Whitcomb and Eastwood, Mrs. Chas. Masten, and Miss Lusk.

Rev. Mr. Sanders, after reading selections from the Bible, called special attention to these words, "For so he giveth his beloved sleep," Psalm 1:27-2. He spoke in substance as follows: These words of the psalmist were suggested to me by one who said that they had been mush in her mind since the death of this dear mother in Israel. They beautiful words and express a comforting and sustaining truth."* * * * The Christian is the beloved of God. The figure of the test is one of uncommon interest. Indeed, it is touchingly beautiful. It is that of the mother rocking her infant child to sleep. * * * *

Miss Irene Augusta Boynton was a woman of commanding presence and of large heart. She was respected and loved by all who knew her. For some years she has at times suffered from bodily infirmity, yet through it all was patient and kind. In early life he attention was arrested and turned to religious truths. She soon came to enjoy the Christian's hope and united herself with the church of Christ. For a quarter of a century she had been a consistent earnest Christian, doing what she could for the church and cause of Christ.

Her death came somewhat suddenly but she was not unprepared to meet it, and though there was great bodily suffering yet her spirit was calm and trustful. She seemed to catch glimpses of the "Beulah land," which lighted up her face and gave great joy to her heart. She descended into "the valley of the shadow" divinely supported. Her last messages to the dear ones she was leaving were tender and touching.

"In her death, this lonely husband loses a true and faithful wife, whose sympathies and prayers were warm and glowing; the children lose a devoted and loyal mother, whose great heart has brooded them all along in the suffering of their lives; her father will mourn a daughter beloved; her friends and neighbors will indeed lose a friend, and the church of which she was a member, loses a Mother in Israel.

"Weep not for her, for she hath crossed the river,
You almost saw Christ meet her on the shore.
And lead her through the golden gates, where never
Sorrow or death can enter more."

Mr. Sanders closed by reading from Mrs. Browning's beautiful poem, "The Sleep:"

"Of all the thoughts of God that are
Borne inward unto souls afar,
Along the Psalmist's music deep,
Now tell me if that any is
For gifts of grace surpassing this--
'He giveth his beloved sleep?'"

Rev. Mr. Nunn followed with a few appropriate remarks, and then offered prayer. The choir sang, the last look was given, and then the sad journey began and the precious remains were laid tenderly away.