Iowa
Old Press
Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa
April 13, 1882
DIED
Mary Stewart Webster von Schrader
In this city Saturday noon, April 8, 1882, of typhoid pneumonia,
Mrs. Otto von Schrader, aged 47 years. The funeral obsequies took
place at her residence on Monday afternoon and many paid their
respects to this highly esteemed lady by their presence. The
death of this noble lady causes feelings of sorrow in almost
every heart in our community; none know her but to love. Her loss
is a calamity to the Congregational Church of which she was a
leading member and powerful support. The funeral sermon by Rev.
S. K. Millikan best illustrates the beautiful character of Mrs.
Schrader and we herewith publish the eulogy as follows:
Mary Stewart Webster was born at Hartford, Connecticut, June 6th,
1835. She entered upon the Christian life during her girlhood.
She was united in marriage with Otto Von Schrader November 24th,
1857 at Hartford, Connecticut. Coming to Maquoketa as a bride
nearly twenty-five years since, she has notwithstanding one or
two temporary absences been identified with the life of the place
for almost a quarter of a century. She died April 8th at noonday,
aged 46 years, 10 months and 2 days.
Mrs. Schrader has been an active promoter of every good work
throughout all these years. She was ready to do what she could
privately for the pleasure of friends, the comfort of neighbors
or the help of the needy. She was equally ready to forward any
organized effort for public good. You found her an active member
of the Relief Society. She was interested in the Library
Association. Reading circles enjoyed her presence and the
hospitality of her home.
The W. C. T. Union found her as faithful when but a dozen have
met to pray for the temperance reform, as when the Blue Ribbon
wave swept over the state. She was constant in her care for the
Hand of Hope and the teacher of a class to the end of her life.
She identified herself with the Congregational Church soon after
coming to this place and did her part at sociable, at festival,
in the school at prayer meetings, at the regular Sunday services
and at the Lord’s table. Her life has thus been before you,
all with some prominence, and the fact justifies a few words
concerning character in general, and a few words about the
character of our sister, as we gather about her form and reflect
with chastened hearts upon her life and thank God for her
influence.
[transcribed by K.W., September 2009]