Mahala Spear 1812-1882

SPEAR

Posted By: Lynn McCleary (email)
Date: 8/1/2022 at 06:55:05

Manning Monitor Newspaper
May 4, 1882

DIED - In Manning at the residence of her son, N.F. Spear, Mrs. Mahala C. Spear, wife of James L. Spear, of Scranton, Iowa. Mrs. Spear was a few days past 70 years of age at the time of her death, The cause of her death was very singular and the fact that exactly five years before, an older sister died in the same manner and had suffered for the same length of time with the same trouble makes the case the more curious. Ten days previous to her death Mrs. Spear, while preparing a grandchild for bed, was taken with a sharp pain in the ball of her thumb. Her son made some examination and could find no apparent cause for it and thought it would soon cease, but she suffered all night most intensely, and the next day Dr. Williams was called and at her urgent request lanced the thumb. The pain now seemed to leave that part and go to her hand and wrist, where it was so excruciating that the poor woman begged that the arm be cut off. Anodynes were brought into requisition and gave some relief, but the patient suffered on until extreme weakness rendered her less sensitive and when worn out nature could endure no more and the cord that is called brittle, but which holds often against immense pressure broke, the tired spirit returned to the God who gave it. Mrs. Spear leaves a husband and two sons to finish the journey of life without her guiding hand. Rev. John Elliott preached her funeral discourse in the hall, and her remains were laid in the little yard west of Manning.