Cora Bell Sturdivant 1869-1898

STURDIVANT

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/3/2001 at 07:33:31

LAID TO REST.
Sad Death and Imposing Funeral of
One of Bonaparte's Favorite Daughters.

"She is gone" where the sad, significant words whispered last Friday morning from one to another of the many kinds 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 occurred not in the manner of a 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; a but for all this, when the lamp of life when 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. Scofield 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 a 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 occurred, in a jovial light. She enjoyed this and that little occurrence as the chance 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 it, many in youth's fragrance, and in this case; and, as the poet said: "life's fitful fever o'er, she sleeps well."

The funeral services occurred from the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. H. Scofield, who spoke feelingly upon the subject so deserving. 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 of this favorite girl of Bonaparte, the remains were tenderly reposed in the White cemetery beside those of her father, brother and sister.

The pallbearers were: Jas. Eddy, Thomas Beard, Elmer Nealy, John Morris, French Eason, Phil Whiteley.

The honorary pallbearers, members of her Sunday school class, were: Rose Beard, Grace Cresap, Fannie Wilson, Clyde Eason, Myrtle Smith, Nelly Jones.

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