January 13, 1916

OBITUARY OF GRANDMA THACKABERRY

Death called Grandma THACKABERRY Tuesday evening, Jan. 4, at seven o’clock, at the THACKABERRY residence where she had made her home with her daughter for nearly twenty-five years.

She had been perfectly well, and several times spoke of her happiness in the Xmas season, and her last illness came as a great shock to the family. She was suddenly stricken with pneumonia early Friday morning and gradually faded until Tuesday evening when she quietly passed from this life into eternity. From the first day of her illness she realized that the end had come, and was satisfied that it should be so. Her thoughts remained clear until Tuesday, and she made her final requests to her children from time to time, and spoke of arrangements for her funeral.

Altho [sic] nearly ninety-eight years old her strength was that of a woman many years younger. She still insisted on helping in the household duties, and as had been her custom, always was up early every morning until the day she was stricken. She hated sloth as a deadly sin, and life and ambition were one with her, giving her the spirit of helpfulness and interest in the welfare of others that endeared her to all who know her.

Mary GRIGG was born in Ireland, May 6, 1818. As a young woman she lived in Dublin where she marred Marcus THACKABERRY, Feb. 9, 1846, and soon after came to New York City. She lived in Connecticut for a while and in Pennsylvania for about three years. The “Western movement” brot [sic] her with her family to Princeton in 1852; they came by the great waterway that was the best means of travel in thos pioneer days, following the great river courses from Pittsburg to Peru. In 1857 she came to Fairfield township.

She was the mother of nine children: Mary Jane, Anna E., William H., Israel C., Marcella R., Milton L., Marcus R., Mary A., and Alvaretta P. All but Mary Jane grew to manhood and womanhood. Her husband died in 1888. Three children survive: Mrs. W.B. EMMONS of Rock Falls, M.R. THACKABERRY of Sterling and Mrs. F.C. THACKABERRY. There are also fifteen grandchildren.

She had requested that her grandson Frank conduct the funeral service and read the text “for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole earth and lose his own soul.” She asked that her grand sons might be pall bearers. The funeral was conducted from the house Thursday at eleven o’clock and burial was in the Fairfield-Greenville cemetery. Everything was done as she wished. Rev. WOLFE of New Bedford offered prayer, and Mrs. Jennie MAXWELL and Mrs. Jay RUSSELL sang.

Cristian [sic] hope and faith marked her daily life She believed in prayer as a strength and guide for her life, and knew the peace of God that kept her. It can truly be said of her, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” As she had often wished, her three children were with her at the last.

“Abide with me! Fast falls the even tide!

The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.

When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs on to life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all ground I see.

Oh, thou who changest not, abide with me.”