Stead, Mary Abbott (Russell) 1923 - 1910

STEAD, RUSSELL, ROLLINS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/16/2023 at 15:17:45

Source: Decorah Republican July 14, 1910, P6 C3

Mrs. John Stead of Burr Oak passed away Sunday morning at the home of her daughter Mrs. Alvin Rollins. The funeral will be held this afternoon at the M. E. church, Rev. Mellott officiating. Further obituary next week.

Source: Decorah Republican July 21, 1910, P6 C4

Memoir:--Mary Abbott Russell was born in England, March 15, 1823. When a young girl she came to Canada with her parents. She was married to John Stead in Odelltown, Canada, May 1, 1850. In June, 1854, she joined her husband at Burr Oak Winneshiek county, Iowa, who had preceded her a year before to make a home in this, then a new country. Only those who have been pioneers in a new country in early days can know the hardships and privation the deceased passed through in those first years of life in the far west. The greater part of her life was spent on the farm north of Burr Oak where they first settled. In 1888 she and her husband moved to the village of Burr Oak, where they resided until his death. Feb. 6th, 1894. In March of the same year she moved to the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Alvin Rollins, where she resided until her death, July 10th, 1910. She was preceded to the home beyond by a daughter Susazale{sic}, who died when three years old. There are left to mourn her loss four children Mrs. C. E. Rollins, Mrs. Albin Rollins, Roert F. Stead and Edwin G. Stead, besides her brother, Wm. Russell of Fairmont, Minn., and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Stead was a woman of sterling qualities and cheerful disposition. In her earlier days and as long as she was able to she always ministered to the sick, giving help and comfort to the sorrowing when possible. She was a kind and cheerful mother and was always looking to the comfort of her family. When a young girl she joined the Episcopal church and later united with the M. E. church, there being no church of her faith here. She was a great sufferer in her last long sickness and often longed and prayed for the opening of the gate to the home beyond to be at rest with her Savior. During her sickness she often repeated the following verses:
It is not for me
To be seeking my rest.
Or fixing my hopes
In a region like this
I seek not a potion,
I ask not a bliss,
Till I find it forever
In Jesus’ breast.
The crown and the thistle
Around me may grow
I would not lie down
Upon roses below.
The road may be rough,
It cannot be long,
I smooth it with hope
And cheer it with song.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows her daughter’s name as Susanna

Burr Oak Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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