Rebecca Clark 1893-1903

CLARK, EDWARDS, COLLINS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 3/5/2013 at 08:49:46

LITTLE REBA CLARK.

Born in Bonaparte September 13,
1893, and Died January 9, 1903.

OBITUARY SKETCH.

September 13, 1893, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. George Clark in Bonaparte, Iowa. The mothers health was poor and when the laughing, innocent baby was less than a year old she came to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards. She was given the name of her aunt, Rebecca Fern but to everyone she was Reba. She grew to be a bright, sunny haired maiden, always active, ever seeing the bright, joyous side of life, her few years were as one short day of sunshine. She was best contented to live in her foster home, for her "auntie" and uncle had veritably become parents to her, and so there she lived.

When school days came for Reba she entered into them with the energy and enthusiasm that characterized all she did. Quick to learn and desirous to do her best, she was an apt pupil. She was kind hearted and generous to a fault, and her little friends, both in the public school and the Methodist Sunday School, as well as her older acquaintances, will miss her sorely.

About two weeks ago Reba began to droop, and nothing would avail to retore her health, for she suddenly grew very ill, and after eleven days of suffering, on January 7, 1903, she was transported to a more glorious world. She had lived to be nine years, four months and six days old. Just one year ago another little girl nine years old was taken, leaving a home in Bonaparte desolate, and now another home is darkened because the sunshine is gone.

Reba leaves to mourn their loss her father and mother, two sisters and two brothers living in Des Moines, her grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Collins, and her foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards.

The funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church Saturday afternoon, Rev. Collier officiating. The pall bearers were Harold Page, Jesse Price, Harley Cox, Charley Keasling, Frank Carr and Marshall Oberg. The church was filled with sympathizing and sorrowing friends, especially the little folks who feel in the death of their little playmate a deep sorrow.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA