GOULD, Mattie L.: 1867-1938

GOULD, CRAVEN, KAYS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 12/10/2013 at 06:27:28

"In Memorian"
**Handwritten: 1938

At the very earliest dawning of the day, on Thursday, January 6th, at 1:40 a.m. the death angel's summons came to the home of Mrs. Mattie Gould and beckoned her from this earthly home to the more beautiful and eternal Home not made with human hands, where she now is with her Saviour and loved ones gone on before.

Mattie L. Gould was born in Davis County, Iowa, March 5th, 1867 and passed to her Home Beautiful on January 6th, 1938 in Milton, Iowa, thus having been a resident of this community for three score years and ten-70 years and 10 months. Her parents John and Sarah Craven left her when a child only three years old, together with one sister and two brothers. At this early time of life she was taken into the home of her uncle W.H. Craven and raised to young womanhood. After being educated in the schools of Davis county, she became one of the successful teachers of those times and taught for several.

On February 6th 1890 she was united in marriage with William Gould, who departed this life on June 27th 1936. Two sisters and a brother, also preceded her. To this union came seven children, all grown and living at their mother's death: Harry R. Gould, Ellensburg, Washington, Lloyd Gould of Milton, Roy Gould of Yakima, Washington, Helen Gould Kays of Ellensburg, Washington, Vance and Ross Gould of Bloomfield, Iowa and Dorothy Gould at home and a teacher in our public schools. Besides these children she also leaves to mourn 8 grand children, a number of other relatives and a host of friends who will ever revere her in memory for the pleasant smile, kind words and deeds, which were a part of this good woman's life.

During the pastorate of the Rev. B.M. Boydston, Mrs. Gould united with the Methodist church and was ever a loyal, active and faithful member, placing her church, her home and others first. When in health and strength Mrs. Gould was among the best of neighbors, and a friend to all those in need. She loved her home, household and her friends were numbered by all who knew her.

During the years of Mrs. Gould's life-almost three fourths of a century-what changes have come to pass in the world of religion, science and arts. The manners and methods have all undergone vast changes that not all are permitted to witness. Her experience would make a most interesting story, pictured as they came together during her long life, which she has lived. During all these exchanges she never swerved into by and forbidden paths. Her children never lost interest in her welfare and gave every attention that could possibly add to her physical comfort and happiness, and of which was deeply appreciated by her. And the visits of friends and neighbors were happy incidents in her every day life. May such a life as this be a shining example for every one, and may we so exemplify those noble traits so that when the Grim Reaper throw his mantle over us, the words of Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" may be truthfully said of us as we can honestly say of this good mother and sister.

"Sunset and evens star,
And one clear call for me;
Any may there be no moaning at the Bar
When I put out to sea,
For tho' from out our Bourne
Of time and place,
The floods may bear me far,
I hope to see my Savior face to face
When I have crossed the Bar."

A large and sympathetic audience of neighbors and friends were present at the funeral services which were held on Sunday, January 9th at the Methodist church at 2 oclock and were in charge of the pastor the Rev. Hehner. The pallbearers were Prince Edwards, James Hargrove, W.D. Sherwood, Dan Miller, Fern Atkins and Pete Rowland. The singers were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Holland, Mrs. W.D. Sherwood and John Holland with Miss Faye Wilson as pianist.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 369, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA