MARY HADDOW VERNON

Newspaper Unknown - 1909

 

Mary Haddow Vernon was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1836, departed this life Dec. 2, 1999 (1909), age 72 yrs, 11 mo. 24 days. She was married to David Vernon Nov. 14, 1861. To this union were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, all who still survive her, this being the first broken tie. She was converted at 22 yrs of age and first united with the Presbyterian church, then about 35 years ago she with her husband united with the United Brethren church of which she was still a member at her death. She has always lived a pious, devoted Christian; always been a kind, loving affectionate wife, mother and neighbor and to know her was to love her.

 

She truly followed the admonition of her Savior when he said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Her highest aim in life was to please her Savior and in serving Him she served her fellow men. She was widely known for her religious zeal and faith in God.

 

Last Sunday between one and two o'clock she revived from which seemed to the family almost death, and talked to each child about meeting her over across the river and what a happy reunion it would be where there is no pain and death nor farewells spoken but where all is joy, where they can live with Christ forever. She also requested Rev. Mrs. Smith, who was present, to have prayer with her once more and give the family her blessing. She said "Do not grieve but rather rejoice for we will meet again."

There is left to mourn her loss a husband, four sons (George Allen, Robert Haddow, Amos Clinton, Lewis Edwin) four daughters (Hattie Jane, Luella "Lola" Alta, Janettie, Carrie Elizabeth), twenty-four grandchildren and a large circle of friends. We have lost from our midst a loving wife, a kind mother and a dear friend; but our loss is heavens gain, for it is better to depart and be with Christ.

 

The deceased came to Decatur county, Kans., with her husband and family November 1886. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Mrs. A. P. Smith of Norcatur, assisted by Rev. F. U. Harmon of Kanona at the M. E. church December 3rd and interment in the Kanona cemetery.

 

The following poetry she gave to her husband a few weeks before her death:

What mean you by the weeping

To break my very heart;

We both are in Christ's keeping

And therefore cannot part.

 

I there -you here-though severed

We still at heart are one,

I only just in shunshine

The shadow scarcely gone.

 

What if the cloud surround you

You can the brightness see

T'is only just a little way

That leads from you to me.

 

I was so very weary

Surely you could not mourn

That I a little sooner

Should lay my burden down.

 

Then weep not, weep not loved ones

God wipes away all tears,

T'is only yet a little while,

Though you may call it years.

 

               ( -Author Unknown-)

 

Luanne L. Henthorn  lavynder@greyface.com