Last week relatives here received the sad news of the death of Mrs. Rachel Barlow at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Hodgetts, at Quinton, near Birmingham, in England, on August 18, after a very brief illness. She had appeared to be in her usual good health up to 20 minutes before her death, when she was seized with a pain in her chest. Some form of heart trouble, was, evidently the immediate cause of her death.In July of this year Mrs. Barlow, accompanied her daughter, Mrs. Kate Hodgetts, and her husband to England, their home after the Hodgetts had made a few months visit in this country. They arrived in Liverpool on July 30 and went directly to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hodgetts. When she left this city on her way to England Mrs. Barlow seemed to be in good health. She had known very little sickness during the more than 81 years of her life. Mrs. Barlow had long been a well known citizen of this county and the news of her death brings to all a keen sense of sorrow, for all knew her to be a woman of the finest qualities and of rich endowment in all that contributes to true womanhood. She possessed a remarkable memory and could quote many pages from the writings of numerous authors. As a neighbor she was kindly and generous, willing at all times to do her utmost for the welfare of those about her. No one ever knew Mother Barlow who did not respect her, and thus the circle of her friends grew with the advance of the years as long as she lived.
It was in the year 1863 that Rachel Powell was united in marriage with William Barlow, both then being residents of England, their native country. Twenty-two years later Mr. Barlow came to America and settled in the northeastern part of this county, thus beginning the building up of the Barlow ranch, one of the best ranches in the county. In the year 1898 Mrs. Barlow and the remainder of the family came from England and the family took up their residence on the ranch. There they lived for several years, finally moving to this city. Mr. Barlow died in this city about 10 years ago. The surviving children are: Arthur E. and Marshall Barlow, of this city, W. H. Barlow of Belvidere, Miss Amy Barlow, now of Wichita, Mrs. Marion Ericsson of Hallandale, Fla., and Mrs. John Hodgetts, who has made her home in England for a number of years.
Mrs. Barlow had long been a firm believer in the Christian religion, and all through her life she practiced the principles of genuine Christianity, to which her best thoughts and constant concern had been devoted. For many years her membership was in the Episcopalian church, but after coming to this city she united with the Presbyterian church and continued her membership in that organization. Hers was a life well lived, and the call of the Death Angel found her in every way prepared to enter into her reward. In her passing away another good woman will be missed here by devoted relatives and loving friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Hodgetts Write from England
The Western Star, August 7, 1925.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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