Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, October 8, l903

MRS. MALINDA THOMPSON, wife of ISAIAH THOMPSON, died at her home in this city, Monday morning, September 28, l903, aged 72 years, 5 months and 11 days, and was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon, September 29, l903, in the Van Wert Cemetery; Rev. R.W. Caster conducting the services, which were held in the Christian Church at 2 o'clock. A large number of friends were present to witness the sad ceremonies and to look for the last time upon one whom the entire community mourns.

She was born in Morgan County, Va., and grew to girlhood in her old home. At the age of l7, she moved with her parents to Licking County, O., where she was united in marriage to WM. CLAYTON. To this union were born two children, one of whom, MARY A LONG, is now living.

WILLIAM CLAYTON died in l856, and on September l5, l86l, occurred the ceremony uniting her to ISAIAH THOMPSON. They came to Decatur County in l865 from Knox County, Ohio, and have ever since resided here, making a host of friends. To them were born four children, three boys and one girl, CASSIUS, having died in infancy. There now remains to mourn the loss of mother and wife, the husband and father, MARY A. LONG, of Ludlow, Mo.; S.B. THOMPSON, of Plymouth, Mo.; MRS. OLLIE LANTZ and LOU C. THOMPSON, residing near the parental home; eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, all of whom were present, except MRS. MARY LONG, sickness preventing her from attending.

She made a confession of her faith in Christ in l859 and united with the Baptist Church. After coming to Van Wert, she, with her husband, united with the Christian Church, being among the charter members, in which she continued to take an active part up to the time of her last illness. She will be greatly missed, as her life was one to inspire and charm the down hearted and has been a shining light, guiding many a soul to a haven of rest from the stormy sea. She was generous in every act, consistency being a marked characteristic. The highest tribute possible to mortal can be given to her. She was a wife, mother, friend and a Christian. Our cloud of sorrow is luminous with hope and the mourners are comforted with the knowledge that the separation is but temporary and they can meet again on that shore where parting and sorrow are no more. "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord."

The flowers which covered the casket bore mute witness to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by her large circle of friends. A pillow of flowers, upon which appeared the word "Mother", was given by her sisters of the church. Loving hands lined the grave with cotton and trimmed it with flowers, impressing one with the patience, purity and sweetness of her life on earth.

The sorrowing ones have the sympathy of the community in their hour of sadness, and those who were so fortunate as to have known this grand, good woman will always hold her memory dear.

--VAN WERT RECORD.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
March 20, 2003