Hancock County Historical Society Book N
Page 13Again our community is wrapped in deepest gloom over the loss of a dearly beloved mother and friend. Mrs. Katherine W. Huston, fell asleep in Jesus at 2:30 Monday, Nov. 21, 1904, aged 73 years, 4 months and 18 days. The death angel came to her home and gently whispered to her pure soul, "The father hath need of thee, come up higher," and although for a few days she had been unconscious of the presence of her loved ones, and was unable to respond to their tender loving words, yet she heard the voice of the angel and without a struggle, obeyed its summons. Her spirit left this world of sorrow and trouble and winged its way to the eternal world. Mrs. Huston was the daughter of Thomas and Katherine Black, and was born near Gettysburg in Adams county, Penn., July 3, 1831. At the age of 3 years, she with her parents moved to Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penn., where they made their home. In 1849 she was united in marriage with John W. Huston, with whom in 1850, she came to Illinois and settled on a farm near Fountain Green, where she has ever since lived at the old home. To Mr. and Mrs. Huston were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, Mrs. Hattie Campbell, of Elvaston, Thomas and Samuel of Carthage, John, Weakley, Edward and Francis, of Fountain Green, who were all present at her funeral. Her husband and one daughter have preceded her to the better land. There also remains twenty-six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She early gave her heart to Christ, and in her girlhood days united with the Presbyterian church of which she has been a faithful and devoted member ever since. Her heart rejoiced with gladness when one by one her children confessed the same Lord and Savior and her earnest desire and prayer to God, were that they continue true to the end. Mrs. Huston was a faithful friend, a devoted wife and mother. Her children rise up and call her blessed. For more than fifty years Mrs. Huston has lived in this community, and has been a benediction to it. The writer has known her
. . . . missing one or two lines of text . . . .
seeks this opportunity to express her high regard and admiration of her noble traits of character. But above everything else, Mrs. Huston was a true Christian woman. She loved her home, her family, her neighbors, and was possessed of a cheerful disposition, and always looked upon the bright side of life and saw a silver lining in every cloud. She was so wise in all her decisions, one never asked her advice that they did not feel perlectly safe in following it, for she made no mistakes. Her heart always saw things from the standpoint of others. Her absence will be sorely felt by many in this vicinity, and more in her beautiful home, gentle, echoing memories of her usefulness, her devotion, her purity of heart and motive, her uncomplaining response to duty, her sweet, loving companionship must comfort those who are now left desolate, but mourn not as one without hope. Their grief is softened by the thought of mother's joy in dwelling in the presence of her Savior, and being reunited to her husband and daughter, while she awaits their coming. What a blessing to this world such a life as hers must be. Who can measure its value or compute its worth? The influence of her pure sweet life upon this world will never die. Her loving deeds have been sown in human hearts and will bear fruit as long as men and women inhabit this globe. What an inspiration to those who survive her to live better, purer and holier lives. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Majorville church, conducted by Rev. Mr. Hyde, of Carthage, who preached an excellent discourse and tenderly and effectively eulogized the life of deceased after which the remains were tenderly carried by her six sons, who acted as pall bearers and laid to rest beside her husband and daughter in the Majorville cemetery. Her casket was covered with many beautiful flowers as tokens of love and esteem from her friends. The whole community paid a mournful reverence to her memory as was attested by the unusually large congregation that assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to one they loved.
