EVA THOMPSON

THOMPSON

Posted By: Judy Kelley (email)
Date: 3/30/2017 at 00:16:08

EVA THOMPSON, daughter of Balis and Emeline Thompson, of Grandview township, in this county, was born in the home from whence her remains were borne to the grave. About four years ago, she followed the remains of her sisters, Elma and Osie, from the same home, on the same day, to the same church and the same cemetery, where their remains were deposited in the same grave; and now her body lies beside them, all dying in the bloom of early womanhood. at the time of the death of her sisters she was suffering from the same disease that bore them to their graves. Soon after their death she went to Texas to regain her health, which was improved, but not fully restored. On the 13th of November last she went to San Antonia, Texas, to spend the winter and for the restoration of her health. But it was too late. Away from home, among strangers, but who were more than friends to her, she departed this life on the 13th day of January, 1894, aged about 23 years. The afternoon before her death she wrote a letter to her parents saying she "was very weak and that if possible she would be home in April." Her lifeless body was lying at home when they received the letter. She sat at the supper table with Mrs. Utter and the family she was staying with and retired to rest as usual. About 10 p.m. she asked Mrs. Utter to ventilate the room. About 3 a.m. she fell asleep in death without a struggle. A few minutes before her death she said to the family and Mrs. Utter that she would "like to see her parents." and said "You have been good to me, but send me home." Eva went to her Heavenly Father, but her friends complied with her request. They tenderly and carefully prepared her body for its long journey "home" and for burial. When it arrived and was looked upon by her parents and little brother Fay and sister May and many sorrowing friends, they found that all that could have been done by a mother or loving friends, had already been done by strangers many hundred miles away, and the casket was closed without a change having been made. Just as it was borne from the home of her bereaved strangers in Texas, thus it was borne from the home of her bereaved parents to the grave, accompanied by a very large concourse of her friends, schoolmates and neighbors.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Potter of Letts, assisted by Elder J.S. Miller at Pleasant Grove Bethel, January 17, 1894.

Eva's patient suffering and her resignation to the will of her Heavenly Father demonstrated the power of a Christian's life, "Hid with Christ in God."

Mrs. C. Utter of Concord township, being in poor health, went in company with Eva to Texas. They boarded and roomed at Mr. Mennch's. This strange family with Mrs. Utter were with her at her death. They, assisted by Mr. N.M. Letts and his daughter, Mrs. Waters, prepared and forwarded the body to her home. The parents feel that they owe a special gratitude to the above named; also to friends at home who tendered their help and sympathy in their bereavement. J.H.
--Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa.