Alice Estella Meek (1873-1901)

MEEK, STEBURG, WEBER

Posted By: Karen Bergquist Uhr, Volunteer
Date: 5/14/2003 at 20:08:22

Alice Estella Meek
"Shall I have naught that is fair, saith he," "Have naught but the bearded grain?"

Again the grim reaper has visited our little town and gathered one of our fairest flowers into his sheaf for the eternal harvest just as she was blossoming into full-blown womanhood. At 4:30 P.M. Saturday, Sept. 14, Mis Alice Estella Meek departed this life after an illness of only a few months. Miss Allie was born August 9, 1873, being at the time of her death 28 years, 1 month and 5 days of age. Her home during her short life has been with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Meek, in Bonaparte. Miss Allie completed the course of sudy in the Bonaparte school at an early age and continued her education at St. Mary's Convent at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where she graduated with high honors. She began teaching in the public schools of Van Buren County at the age of 17, her first school being in the Thomas Paine district. She also taught at Mt. Hamil and Big Mound, and for the past three years has been the instructor in the Grammar department of the Bonaparte school being reelected to the same position for the term which is now in progress. Her happy disposition combined with wonderful strength of character made her peculiarly adapted for her chosen work. A devoted and consistent Catholic, her life was filled with kindly deeds and acts of self sacrifice and many a life was made brighter by her thoughtfulness. The young people of Bonaparte will ever remember their teacher as she always was to them helpful, encouraging, inspiring each one to put forth his best effort; ready at all times to share their joys and sorrows, taking the place of a loving elder sister rather than a teacher.

The immediate relatives who mourn their loss are: Her mother, five sisters, Misses Lizzie, Margaret, and Percy Meek, Mrs. Kate Steburg and Mrs. Mary Weber and one brother, Robert E. Meek; besides a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral ocurred at 10 A.M. Tuesday from her late home, Father Daly of Farmington, and Father Renihan of Keokuk officiating. A vast concourse of sympathizing friends were present and followed her remains to the place of interment.

Source: Newspaper unknown
Margaret Johnson Meek Scrapbook

Add'l Source: Entler Scrapbooks, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA [handwritten on obit "1901"]