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Chase County Kansas Obituaries
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Mercer, Elizabeth Springett Obituary of Mrs. Elizabeth
Mercer.
Elizabeth Springett Mercer was born in Kent, England, Jan. 20th, 1883 and died at the age of 73 years, 4 months, 7 days, at Homestead, Chase County, Kans., at 5 a. m., May 27th, 1908, after an illness of eight weeks, though she had not been well for several months.
In 1862 she was married to Alfred Mercer in England. To this union ten children were born, nine of whom were born in England and one in Chase Co.
On March 3rd 1871, Alfred and Elizabeth Mercer, with their seven living children, (two having died in England) started for America, eleven weeks were spent in their voyage across the briny deep. While on the voyage small-pox broke out and the ship was anchored down, during which time the husband and two of the children had taken this dreaded disease, and were separated from the rest of the family and taken to an island for quarantine and treatment.
The family being again united they came direct to Chase Co. Kans., and purchased land, a part of which is their present home. After locating here another son was born to them, and one of the daughters taken to the home beyond, leaving a husband, with whom she had lived fifty-four years, and seven living children as follows: Mrs. Wm. Drummond and Mrs. John Drummond both of Elmdale, Kans; Mrs. Ed Sauble, of Florence, Kans. and Mrs. Ben Wethetholt, David, Thomas and Wm. Mercer, of Homestead, Kans; also 27 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Frances Huntley, of Wonsevu, Kans. and two brothers and two sisters in Michigan, to mourn the loss of the one they loved.
The deceased, coming to the frontier of a strange country on above date, knew far better than most of us now living what the trials of a frontier life were. No one but the husband and children know of the hard battles of life she has passed through, and how bravely she has fought them. "She possessed an unlimited energy and was of a resolute disposition.
Twenty-two years ago she united with the Friends Church at Homestead, Kans., of which she was a member at her death.
Her mind was clear to the last; her hopes of the future were bright. Realizing her life was coming to a close, she would often speak of the future as only the redeemed ones can. On one occasion she said, It will be so nice to be at rest; there is no rest here." Also that she was just waiting for Jesus to call her and when he called she would go.
She made request as to the funeral. At the dawn of the lst day of the week on date mentioned, Jesus called and she left church and friends on earth for her home in heaven.
All of the children now living and many other near relatives besides a large concourse of friends were present at the funeral services which were held in the Homestead school house, conducted by Mrs. L. Mendenhall, pastor of the Friends Church, after which the body was laid to rest in Homestead cemetery.
Oh. call it not death, 'tis life begun,
For the waters are passed and home is won.
The ransomed spirit hath reached the shore
Where they weep and suffer and sin no more,
She is safe in her Father's house above,
In the place prepared by her Savior's love.
She left the world of sin and strife
To be with Jesus; Yea this is life.
Chase County Leader-News, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, May 27 1906.
by Lorna Marvin
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