Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, July 5, l900

ELSIE A. ELLIS was born near Princeton, Mo., January 2, l852. Departed this life June 27, l900, aged 48 years, 5 months and 25 days. She was the fourth daughter of Judge W.W. ELLIS and wife, and came to Leon in l854. She was married to JOHN C. STOCKTON in Sherman, Texas, December 5, l874. Two children blessed this union -- STELLA who died January l9, l900, aged 25 and LACON D., aged l9, who with the widowed husband, survive her.

Her oldest sister, MRS. MARY E. COFFIN, died June 24, l900.

None know so well the full measure of her beautiful life, of her kind and sympathizing heart, as do the grief stricken father and son, who were the recipients of all that is good and noble in a wife and mother. Yet we pause here and draw the veil over a sorrow so sacred. It is not for mortals to intrude therein.

Of her it can be truly written -- she was of the most artless, candid, open and benevolent disposition, disinterested in the extreme, of even temper, of large heart, of tender sympathy. Her many estimable traits of heart and mind won for her a large circle of friends. Her quick apprehension of the right, and her firm determination at all times to do the right, as power and insight were given her to discern it, were marked characteristics in her mentality. As a wife she was kind, considerate and devoted. As a mother she was sincerely and wholly attached to her children. We have no doubt that the death of her only daughter, a few months ago, is one of the causes of her own death.

Hers was a noble and unselfish life. What words of higher commendation can be spoken of any one? Duty was her watchword and with all her trials and troubles, her life was a happy one, for she contributed to the happiness of others. Such women must die, but the world is better that they have lived.

MRS. STOCKTON was a member of the Christian Church from childhood, and her religious life was quickened and broadened by the meetings held recently by Rev. Sunday. Her funeral was held from the home Thursday afternoon, by Eld. R.W. Castor, Pastor of the Christian Church, assisted by Rev. Joseph Stephen of the M.E. Church.

Copied by Cordelia Suzann
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
January 4, 2003