The Medicine Lodge Cresset, April 23, 1885.
ACROSS THE RIVER
On
Saturday evening at about half past nine o'clock occurred the death of an
estimable lady, the wife of our esteemed fellow townsman and friend E. M.
Byerly.
Mrs. Byerly had been ill for some time in rather feeble health, but
up to less than a week previous to death seemed no worse than usual, and at the
church festival which occurred one week ago last Thursday evening she worked
hard during the entire evening and by the exertion this evening no doubt her
death was hastened. On Monday she took to her bed and continued to grow steadily
worse until her death.
Mrs. Byerly, at the time of her death was thirty-six
years of age. She was born in Ohio. When a young lady of 16 or 17 years of age,
she came to Fairfield, Iowa, and made her home with her uncle, Rev. A. Axline.
It was here that she met her husband, with whom she has lived in happy wedlock
for the past fourteen years. To them four children have been born, three of
whom, Cora, Willie and little Blanch are left without a mother's care and one of
whom has preceded that mother to the tomb.
An eloquent and touching funeral
discourse was preached at the Presbyterian church on Monday by the Rev. Gillam,
and after the service a large and sympathetic company followed the remains to
the grave.
For the dead in this case no apologies are needed, the simple
truth is the highest praise. She was an industrious wife, a kind mother, and
obliging neighbor, which qualities make her loss felt the more keenly.
The
wounds of grief can only be healed by the salve of time. As the seasons roll
their changes by and the wild flowers come to grace the lowly resting place, the
bitterness of the parting, the loneliness which now fills the husband's heart
and home will give place to tender and pleasant memories of the departed.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the
above news article to this web site!