Mary Ann Mason Beach Lamb (1834-1897)

LAMB, MASON, BEACH

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/12/2005 at 10:52:52

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, August 19, 1897, page 4, columns 3-4. "OBITUARY - LAMB - Mary Ann Mason was born March 26, 1834, in the state of Pennsylvania, and died August 13, 1897, aged 63 years, 4 months and 17 days. Mrs. Lamb was the daughter of John J. and Margaret Mason, and was the last of her father's family. She was married to Edward L. Beach, in July, 1850, and he died June 9, 1869. To them were born one daughter and two sons, all of whom survive and were present at her funeral, as also was her stepson, Myron Beach, of Carroll, Iowa. Some years after the death of her former husband, she was married to Daniel Lamb, Dec. 8, 1873, who resides a mile and a fourth east of Peoria where she lived until last Friday morning, when the grim monster, death, came very unexpectedly and relieved her of all care, toil and pain, and claimed her for his own. She had been a great sufferer for years but bore it with christian fortitude, not even letting her children know the worst for fear she might distress them. She was a woman of fine culture and broad intellect; feeling that death was on her track and not knowing that she would be permitted to tell the family that which she would like to have them know, she wrote two letters, addressing one to her husband and one to her daughter, telling them where she would like to be buried, and a great many other requests. But the most consoling words in her letter were, that when they should look upon her lifeless form, they could be assured that she had fallen asleep in Jesus, and urged them not to grieve after her, for she had only gone home and in a short time she and her husband would be reunited where there would be no more parting but the Lord would wipe all tears from their eyes. She had been a member of the M. P. church for thirty years, and remained a faithful, consistent christian up to her death, and loyal to her church. The loss to the church we deeply feel. She was an affectionate wife; a tender and loving mother; a kind and obliging neighbor, and was loved by all who knew her, for kind and gentle manners won her many friends. This was demonstrated at the church by the large concourse of people who followed her to her last resting place. The funeral was preached by Rev. Smay, of Colo, assisted by her own pastor, Rev. Sparks, and Rev. Bell, of Collins, from these words, "Be thou faithful until death and I will give thee a crown of life," the choir rendered some beautiful music and a duet, "My Mother's Beautiful Hands, " was sung, and was very impressive. The floral offerings were numerous. She was laid to rest in the Peoria cemetery by her former husband, and sister who was laid there three years ago. Just before the casket was lowered into the grave the W. R. C., of which she was an honored member, performed their sad rites. Our friends may die and leave our hearts and homes desolate for a time; we cannot prevent it, nor would it be best if we could. Sorrow has its useful lessons when it is legitimate, and death is the gate that opens out of earth toward the house eternal in the heavens. If we lose them, heave gains them; if we mourn, they rejoice; if we hang our harp on the willows, they tune their's in the eternal orchestra above, rejoicing that we shall soon be with them. Shall we not drown our sorrow in the flood of light let in …"

Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa, POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES, WASHINGTON TWP., Peoria Cemetery, LAMB, Mary A. died 8-13-1897, section SS, row 8, Misc. Inf. - age 63 yrs, 4 mos, 17 dys, Wife of Daniel. **editorial note - date of birth calculated on age and date of death.