Cora Bell Sturdivant 1869-1898

STURDIVANT

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/1/2001 at 23:42:57

LAID TO REST.
Sad Death and Imposing Funeral of One of Bonaparte's Favorite Daughters.
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"There is a Reaper, whose name is Death,
And with his sickle keen,
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,
And the flowers that grow between.

'Shall I have naught that is fair?' saieth he,
'Have naught but the bearded grain?'
Though the breath of these flowere [sic] is sweet to me,
I shall give them all back again.'

And the mother gave in tears and pain
The flowers she most did love;
She knew she would find them all again,
In the Paradise above."

"She is gone" were the sad, significant words whispered last Friday morning from one to another of the many kind neighbors and friends who have so tenderly watched at her bedside and ministered to the wants of Cora Sturdivant during her gradual decline in the past several weeks. Her departure occured not in the manner of one of those sudden calamities that, like a thunder-clap out of a clear sky, suddenly appalls us, for she had long suffered, and those who watched at her bedside knew that Death had placed his seal upon her; but for all this, when the lamp of life went out it was none the less painful to bear.

Cora Bell Sturdivant was born in this community August 14, 1869, resided here all of her life and died here June 24, 1898, having attained to the age of 28 years, 10 months and 10 days.

That is the brief history of our recently-departed friend, as regards the chronological facts. As Rev. Schofield said, in his discourse at the funeral of our mourned friend, we "feel unable" to do justice to the subject. Moreover, we could write nothing in this, the last privilege of ours to do honor to the departed dead, that would be new to the people of her acquaintance. They well know that she was one of those sunny characters, so rare on this terrestrial sphere, that could conceive whatever occured, in a jovial light. She enjoyed this and that little occur[ance?] as they chanced to transpire, and through that sunny accomplishment, so contributive to one's pleasure, she enjoyed more of life than do most people. All who knew her recognized in her that amiable trait. The writer called upon her not long ago, and found her in that hopeful, cheerful mood so characteristic of her. But the good and the pure of earth, all, must leave [ ? ] many in youth's fragrance, as in this case; and, as the poet said: "life's pitiful fever o'er, she sleeps well."

The funeral services occurred from the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. H. Scofield [sic], who spoke feelingly upon the subject so [deser]ving. The choir sang several songs which had been requested by the family of the deceased; and, after a farewell view of all that was mortal [?] this favorite girl of Bonaparte, the remains were tenderly reposed in the White cemetery beside those of her father, brother and sister.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 31 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.) ORIGINAL POST 15 Nov 1999.

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