Mrs. J. M. Bird, who suffered a severe paralytic stroke about 12 years ago which left her paralyzed on her left side, and who had another stroke about two months ago which made her unable to hear, passed away suddenly about 6 p.m. last Sunday at her home, five miles southwest of Coldwater.During Mrs. Bird's long illness, her son, Robert, who made his home with his parents, was ever thoughtful of his mother's health, and after the death of the husband and father, Robert and his mother were boon companions. Each was solicitous of the other's welfare.
Mrs. Bird enjoyed watching Robert work in the fields and would sit in the automobile while he made the round in preparing the soil for the coming season's crops. Although paralyzed and of late unable to hear, her face would light up and break into a smile as Robert passed and waved to her. Such beautiful devotion is admirable and will long be a cherished memory to Robert, who gave his mother such tender care. Mrs. Bird was one of the county's pioneer mothers, having come with her family from Missouri to Comanche county in 1896. They settled near Wilmore and lived there until 1906 when they moved to their farm southwest of Coldwater, and there continued to make their home.
She was a loving wife and mother and a good neighbor. Through all the trials and vicissitudes of pioneer days she never complained, and when her health failed about 12 years ago, she continued to be cheerful and patient at all times.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church in Coldwater, and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. W. E. Callahan, who brought a comforting message. Mr. and Mrs. Gurney Hadley, accompanied by Mrs. Wm. Brumbaugh on the organ sang three songs "Jesus, Blessed Rock of Ages," We'll Understand It Better Bye and Bye," and "Jesus Leads."
There were many floral offerings as a token of respect for this good woman. The pallbearers were six grandsons of Mrs. Bird --Frank and Ivan Hadley, Richard, Wayne and Bennie Bird and Ralph Deewall. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery beside her husband, who passed away February 19, 1937. Thus passes another of Comanche county's highly respected pioneers.
Cora A. Heisey was born at Clearfield, Penn., on February 26, 1866, and passed away at her home near Coldwater, Kansas October 15, 1939, at the age of 73 years, 7 months and 19 days.
When she was four years of age she moved with her parents from Pennsylvania to Dade county, Mo., and there grew to womanhood.
When a young woman in Missouri, Mrs. Bird united with the Methodist church, and during her life continued to cherish her faith in Christ as her Savior.
On January 8, 1886, she was united in marriage with J. M. Bird at King's Point, Mo. To this union seven children were born, two of whom died in infancy. The five surviving children are: Marvin Bird of LaVeta, Colo., Mrs. Morton Hadley and Mrs. Paul Deewall of Coldwater, Ben Bird of Protection and Robert Bird of the home. She is survived by one brother, Ralph Heisey of Clearfield, Penn., and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Laura Heisey, of Lockwood, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a number of other relatives, besides a host of friends. -- Western Star.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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