Ann (Evans) Hughes (1833-1892)

EVANS, HUGHES

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

March 21, 1833 --- July 8, 1892

DEPARTED.

Mrs. H. M. Hughes died last Friday afternoon about 2:45. She had been ill for months, and but little hopes were entertained of her recovery, but occasionally she got much better, and all her friends hoped against hope that she might once again be well and strong. It was not to be, and she passed away from the world, which is always made better and happier by such as she was, leaving a grief-stricken husband and son, and many sorrowing friends.

Mrs. Hughes was of Welsh birth, and was in her 59th year at the time of her death. The union of husband and wife was of almost forty years duration, and the bond between them was of the tenderest character, the more so that in late years they have depended more and more on each other by living alone and away from their son. Those only who knew them well can understand the grief of the survivor of this union.

Mrs. Hughes was loved by all who knew her. The piety and cheerfulness of her disposition, the innate goodness refined and perfected by the daily practice of christian virtues, spoke in her every word and net. She was trusted and loved by many whom she befriended in need; she had always "a tear for pity, and a hand open as day for melting charity." It is impossible for anyone to say how wide her charity and helpfulness extended among the poor. She did not speak of her good deeds, and we who revere her would hesitate to blazon them to the world. Enough to say that if ever anyone merited the fulfillment of Christ's blessing upon those who give "even unto the least of these" it was Mrs. Hughes.

On Saturday the remains were accompanied by the sorrowing family and a few friends, to Belle Plaine. As the casket rested in the car it was enveloped in flowers, which she always loved so well; water lilies were draped upon the bier, and evergreens, the symbol of immortality, covered it.

The funeral services were held in Belle Plaine Sunday afternoon at 2.30. Early in the morning a special train of two coaches left Eagle Grove, bearing to the funeral a large number of friends from this place, and representatives of the various railway organizations—the Order of Conductors, of Engineers, of Railway Trainmen, of Engineers and of Firemen. At Ames, they were joined by two coaches from Boone, also filled with friends of the family. Reaching Belle Plaine a little before 2, a procession was formed and walked to the house. In small groups the friends were admitted to take a last view of the kind, sweet face they were to see no more. The casket was again surrounded by flowers, and by large and handsome floral pieces presented as tokens of respect by the railway orders. The Conductors and Trainmen presented a large floral anchor, symbol of hope, with the initials of their orders worked in flowers; the Engineers a beautiful broken column resting upon a square base symbolizing the always untimely death of those we love; the Firemen, a cross of white flowers, twined with smilax; the Officials of headquarters presented an open Bible, most beautifully formed of flowers, to recall her constant love and attachment to the Book. Besides, there was a large floral piece representing the Gates Ajar, presented by the shop employes, and a pillow of flowers from the Superintendents' Association.

Among those present were Gen. Man. Burt and wife, Supt. and Mrs. Hopkins, Mr. and W. D. Hodge, Dr. and Mrs. Fairchild, R. Erskine, and many others.

Owing to the limited size of the house, only the nearest friends were present at the funeral service. After it was over, all were transported to the burial ground, finely situated upon a hill about a mile east of town. Here was placed at rest all that was mortal of Mrs. Hughes—the body only, long tenanted by sickness and disease. A higher hope compels us not to sorrow beyond measure when the good die; but sympathy untold must go out to those who are rent by the pangs of parting with wife, mother and friend.

Boone Valley Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
July 13, 1892

[Note: Transcribed as publlished.]