PURDEY, Erwin Ruble: Died 1910

PURDEY, RUBLE, DOWNING, HOWELL, MURPHY, SMITH, DICKENSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/7/2016 at 04:03:14

**Handwritten: St. Line Dem. Thurs. 13 Oct. 1910

A LITTLE ONE CALLED HOME
Erwin Ruble Purdey Aged 2 Years, 6 Months, 15 Days.

"Suffer Little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven," formed the text for a most beautifully expressed and touching tribute - pronounced by Rev. J.H. Taylor, Tuesday p.m. Oct. 4, at the home of Mrs. Nancy Downing at Bentonsport over a little white robed form of baby Erwin Purdey, so transcendently beautiful in death that one could scarcely refrain from clasping him to his breast there to abide forever, a most precious jewel in the kingdom of the home and hearts of his loved ones.

With Mrs. Effie Dustin presiding at the organ, Rev. Taylor rendered in an impressive manner, "No need of Shadows." Misses Etta Weaver and Lina Stevens, R.R. Jacobs and Rev. Taylor sang, "When All Thy Mercies God," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," and "Jewels," and under a mantle of beautiful flowers the casket was conveyed to the Bentonsport cemetery in the arms of Rev. Taylor, a personal friend of the family.

Surviving with the bereaved parents are his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Ruble, Bentonsport, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Purdey of Keokuk; their great grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Downing of Bentonsport; Mrs. Elizabeth Howell and Emma Purdey of Keokuk; four uncles, three aunts and numerous other relatives.

Relatives in attendance at the funeral were Dr. and Mrs. J.O. Murphy and daughter of Eldon, Mr. John Downing of Floris, Ia., Mr. and Mrs. Bert Ruble of Douds, Mrs. Lon Smith and Miss Jessie Dickenson of Croton.

The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of the entire community, for everyone loved little Erwin, who was so brave and patient.

At the home of the grandparents in Bentonsport on March 9, 1908, Erwin was placed in the young mothers arms, a "tiny feather from the wing of love dropped in the sacred lap of motherhood," and for 2 1/2 years God permitted this precious treasure to remain in the home to develop into a remarkably beautiful and attractive child, whose little lips soon learned to say mama and papa, whose baby ways and childish prattle endeared him to every one. Like a tiny birdling he nestled into their hearts and home and created joy and peace by his presence.

From their home at Keokuk one April day a message came to the grandparents saying "Erwin has whooping cough." In a short time closely followed an attack of measles. The two combined developing bronchial pneumonia. Then came to that brave young mother, herself weakened by a serious illness, confined in the hospital where her life was despaired of, the trials of sorrow that awaken the soul into the beauties of endurance and strengthens the ties of love between mother and child.

The nightly vigil of that precious mother and father over the cradle of their darling fighting step by step the disease that weakened and wasted the little form, renewing their efforts as hopeful symptoms revived their hopes; and as the little feet again learned the steps that had ceased through weakness, sparing no expense for the best medical skill obtainable, then when hopes were brightest a change to Bentonsport was deemed advisable, where, with the aid of the grandparents, the battle was again renewed. But the most loving care and tender ministrations failed, as God had need of this little child, and on Friday night a change was noted, all day Saturday their were anxious hearts and on Sunday night, after asking of papa a drink of water and a "thank 'oo, papa," then smiling as he called mama, grandparents and Max by the pet names he had bestowed upon them, the little spirit was wafted to the portals of glory and two little hands now beckon the loved ones to paradise.

"A Precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is still.
A place is vacant in our home,
That never can be filled."

Grief stricken hearts are mourning for the little boy that died.

Erwin was a member of the cradle roll department of the Trinity M.E. church of Keokuk and the little soul, as pure, as spotless as a lily, is no transplanted to God's own flower garden, there to bloom in wonderous beauty.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 229, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA