Louisa Murdock 1839-1898

MURDOCK, GRIFFITH

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 5/26/2021 at 08:12:43

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, December 29, 1898
Page 1

Louisa, daughter of William and Lavina Griffith, was born in Washington county, Pa., December 8, 1839, married to George W. Murdock, March 3, 1864, and died at Columbus Junction, Iowa, December 22, 1898.

Chronologically, she numbered 59 years; but measured by the work she preformed, the trials she overcome, the sufferings she endured, she lived a much longer period. when young, she was of a shrinking, sensitive nature, but the circumstances of her life developed a character of great strength and self-reliance. In her girlhood she taught school successfully, her first certificate, still preserved, she obtained when under 17.

A terrible sorrow fell upon her when her little daughter lost her hearing from fever; a few years later, when her young son also recovered from sickness in the same condition, the double crushing affliction was almost unbearable. her love for these unfortunate children became the ruling passion of her life, to work for them, to educate them, to add in all ways to their happiness, to give them every advantage possible in their unequal chance in life, was her constant aim. Her mother heart sorely ached when she sent her little girl, at the age of 10, among stranger that she might be educated at the institute for mutes at Council Bluffs. Later the boy followed his sister.

She then resumed the profession of teaching, entering the public schools of the Junction. Every summer the children spent their vacation at home; but while the mother heart rejoiced at their coming, her brain and hands were busy preparing their wardrobe for the coming year. Yet for herself she thought not of. She was always a warm friend to the mutes; frequently visited the school at Council Bluffs; wrote an article concerning it to the Des Monies Register, which caused the legislature to appoint a committee of investigation, resulting in some much needed improvements in that institution.

When her friends, recognizing her ability, brought out her name for county superintendent of schools, she said: " I fear I am not competent." She was elected. She studied the school laws of the state, threw her energy into her work, and was so successful, she was elected for a second term. She was also honored by being elected vice-president of the State Teacher's Association.

Again she entered the school room, but her arduous labors began to tell upon her nervous system. Six years ago she fell and injured her ankle, for years used crutches or a rolling chair. But she performed household duties, accomplishing more than many able bodied persons. But as she recovered from this affliction, she was attached by a worse one, indigestion. For over two years she battled with this disease, bearing her suffering with the same patience and fortitude with which she had met other trial, anxious to recover for her loved one sake. She made several trips from home to take treatment of a specialist, but while she improved in some respects her food did not assimilate; she grew thinner and weaker, and finally was unable to sit up longer. A cold resulting in incipient pneumonia hastened the end.

The funeral at the church on Christmas day was as she directed: her favorite hymns were sung, her favorite psalm was read, her young lady pupils were honorary pall bearers, and a stenographer took sown the proceedings for her children.