Martha (THOMPSON) PENICK

THOMPSON, PENICK, STUART

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/20/2009 at 03:25:14

The Chariton Leader
Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa
Thursday, January 7, 1909

OBITUARY - MRS. W. C. PENICK

The citizens of Chariton were startled by the announcement of the death of Mrs. W. C. PENICK, at her home in this city, on Friday evening. In fact but few knew she was ill and her own family did not realize that her condition was serious, but a sudden heart failure seized her and as the new year was ushered in her life went out with the twilight of the day.

Her husband had been constantly by her bedside and her passing was so tranquil that it seemed more like natural repose than that which is called death. Scarce could they realize the change. Thus, the tie which had bound these two in a long and harmonious career had been severed and the sorrow fell heaviest on that aged companion, who had been encouraged by her councils in the days of youthful effort, and had shared his burdens during the many years -- joined cheerfully in his enterprises and established a competency for old age -- and in that leisure had returned their second youth and it is to be doubted if they had ever enjoyed each other's association more than now, since their children had one by one married and gone from the home to found domestic establishments of their own,leaving the "old folk" an undivided companionship.

Sometimes we imagine that these partings come with less regret and sadness when life's work is well finished and the course is complete to the full allotment, but when the test comes the living are as loath to say "good bye" to mother or father as though the more youthful had been called and a long life of opportunities cut short.

The grim reaper is never welcome, but there is consolation in knowing that life has been well lived and the righteous standard emulated.

Thus the best encomium that can be pronounced is to say that a noble woman has been called to her reward.

Funeral services were held from the family home on Monday at 2 o'clock p.m. and the mortal remains laid to rest in the Chariton Cemetery, Dr. LATHROPE preaching the sermon and eulogizing the character, of which she was a type.

Martha THOMPSON was born at Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, on January 29, 1831. She was married to W[illiam]. C[alvin]. PENICK at Newcomerstown, Ohio, April 10, 1853. They came to Iowa in the same year and located at Eddyville and to Chariton in 1862. To them were born eight children, the four surviving: J. A and W[illiam]. B., of this city; H. O., of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mrs. F. Q. STUART. Two sons, Hallard and Ed, died during recent years.

She had been a consistent member of the M.E. Church since 1858 and an entire community bear witness to her death with general sorrow.

"Leaves have their time to fall
And wither at the north wind's breath --
And stars to set -- but all --
Thou hast all seasons for thine own
-- Oh Death."