APPLETON, Florence Cornelia: 1855-1922

APPLETON, RICE

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/3/2013 at 21:02:13

Florence Cornelia, youngest daughter of William and Ann Appleton, was born at Bentonsport April 13, 1855, and died Tuesday, January 10, 1922, aged 66 years, 8 months and 27 days, her death occurring in Bentonsport, at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey, friend and caretaker of deceased for the past fifteen years.

Miss Appleton came of fine New England stock. Her parents were among the early pioneers of this county, and were people of education and high Christian character. Mr. and Mrs. Appleton were among the charter members of the Bentonsport Congregational church, which body numbered among its membership many persons of excellence. Cornelias was raised in that faith, but some years ago, when the old Congregational building passed into other hands, she and her mother, already a widow, allied themselves with the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Appleton is recalled as a long-time teacher in the Presbyterian Sunday School, and always an ardent Christian worker. Upon the death of this excellent mother, arrangements were made whereby this daughter was cared for in the home of Mrs. Bailey, which has been a home indeed to the orphan girl and woman, and where she has received every possible care and kindness.

Miss Appleton leaves to mourn her decease, two sisters, Elizabeth and Myra Rice, of Framingham, Mass.--these ladies having married brothers; two nephews, William and Hugh Rice. The sisters have long been residents of Massachusetts; both are widows, each with an invalid child. While they have faithfully provided bor their younger sister all along, they could not be present at the funeral, but they knew she was surrounded by kind friends, some of whom had known her since her childhood.

A beautiful tribute to the deceased was accorded by the pastor, Rev. Newell Chapman, in services held in the Presbyterian church Friday at 2 p.m. The choir sang "Under His Wings," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," and "Some Time We'll Understand." A profusion of flowers, tributes of love for Miss Appleton, covered the casket. The pall bearers were Messrs. Fred Butler, Chas. Alexander, Roy Chaney, Oscar Thomas, Geo. Jack, and Walker McCracken. Interment in the Bentonsport cemetery.

"Not now, but in the coming years;
It may be in the better land -
We'll read the meaning of our tears,
And then ??? ??? we'll understand."

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 132, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA