Obituary
The
following obituary of Mrs. J. R. Mowry, a former resident of this place
and Bloomsburg, will no doubt be of interest to our readers. Her husband
was the pastor of the Bloomsburg Baptist church for some five or six
years.
"Mrs. Justina
Peterson Mowry, youngest daughter of J. D. and Elizabeth Peterson, was
born May 26, 1857, in Scott county, Iowa, and died July 20, 1899.
Her
home circle being broken by her mother's death, at sixteen she began
self-support by teaching, using funds as fast as gathered in her higher
education, till in 1884 she graduated with her husband from Hillsdale
college, Mich.
In 1881 she
married J. R. Mowry. To them have been born five children, one of the
latter having preceded her to the better land.
She
was converted at 17 and united with the Free Baptist church at Wilton,
Iowa.
Though not
ordained to the Christian ministry, feeling commissioned of heaven to
break the bread of life, the preferred, as a lay worker to act as
ambassador for Christ, filling the pulpit and conducting services as
calls came and circumstances permitted.
About
one year ago she had a slight shock, which gradually grew more serious,
culminating in dropsy. The last three months she was a great sufferer,
but bore it most patiently, often saying it would be sweet to be at rest.
Only
an hour before departing this life she had a calm, Christian talk with
her companion about her dear children, charging him to be careful and
keep them together.
Her
only regret was the separation from the loved ones and whatever of
failure there had been in her life and labor for the Master.
One
of the saddest features of the case is the leaving of a baby boy four
weeks old.
Her sleeping
dust finds its final resting place in the beautiful University Place
cemetery, Des Moines, Ia., where her bereaved husband expects to settle
for the education of his children.
Thus
closes on earth and commences in heaven prematurely, seemingly, the life
of the loved one outlined above. Let the Lord's will be done." O.
H. King.
