Reba Fern Clark 1893-1903

CLARK, EDWARDS

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/12/2002 at 06:55:47

A LITTLE ONE DEAD

Since our last issue a home in this city has been made desolate by the removal of a little life that had in the few short years of [its] sojourn brought joy and brightness into the lives of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Edwards. Little Reba Clark died Wednesday.

The following obituary was read by the pastor in charge:

Reba Fern Clark was born in Bonaparte, September 13, 1893 and entered her untroubled rest January 7, 1903, aged 9 years, 4 months and 6 days, of gaskat fever. She was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Clark of Des Moines, but came to live with her aunt and uncle Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Edwards of this city when a little child of 1 year old.

Owing to the ill health of the mother, the husband and father was forced to come alone, which made it doubly sad. She leaves to mourn her loss, father, mother, two sisters, two brothers, an aged grandmother and an aunt and uncle who have acted as true, devoted parents, granting every wish of their little baby, as they called her.

Little Reba was a sunbeam in her circle of friends and it was remarked by her grandmother, "Our little sunshine is gone but we must look to that future, where the sundered ties of earth are reunited. [sic]

The little one was a member of our Sunday school and also a member of the Junior League. There is one thing that should soften the sharpness of the family's agony, that reflection that little children are pure and guileless, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

The services over the remains were held at the M. E. church, Saturday at 2 p.m. and a vast congregation of sympathizing friends gathered, Rev. Collier spoke soothing words to the bereaved ones and pointed out the beauties of the life beyond [can't read] which little Reba had entered.

Interment was made in the Bonaparte cemetery. The floral tributes were many [and beautiful] one especially was brought [can't read] of the school, furnished by the scholars, who had learned to love the [little one] for her many fine qualities.

The Bee extends deepest sympathy to the bereaved parents and foster parents.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 43 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in November 1999. Name and date of newspaper not given but the last paragraph references "The Bee.")

I am NOT related to this person and am posting this obit for those who may find him/her in their family history.

[Original Post 10 January 2000]