Died Mar. 26, 1882 Aged 21 Ys Those who knew her best loved her most.
March 29, 1882
WEBSTER March 27.-Our citizens were startled yesterday morning by the announcement of the sudden death of Miss Lucinda Beckwith, who on Saturday, it being her 21st birth-day, was in as good health and spirits as usual until 11 o'clock when she retired.
Is strangely on mine mind impressed. By some strong power to me unknown I'm warned that I'll soon leave this home, Of earthly sorrows cares and gloom, For one more bright beyond the tomb. And strange this ever present thought Is not with pain by pleasure fraught, Though leaving those so true and tried 'Tis for the best I'm satisfied. The family grief I know full well Is all that bids my soul rebel. Why should you grieve, immortal man? Our lives on earth are but a span; Then let this thought still comfort thee, We'll all ere long united be, Where painful parting will be o'er And rosy cheeks will fade no more. Where noble thoughts won't be capsized And fondest hopes are realized. Where tyrants won't our ranks invade And loving trust be unbetrayed; Where through misfortune and sheer need None will be tempted to dark deed, Where cripples groaning helplessly Will ever more from pain be free. Where riches are not prized above Virtue and honor, truth and love, Where disappointment toil and strife Are left for peace and lasting life. Then friends mourn not, thy grief give o'er I'm only going on before. Should it possible for me I'll often in your presence be, And strive to cast some ray of light To make your earthly path more bright. Should I keep vigil day by day 'Twould not your loving care repay. But now adieu. I'll write no more, And to my friends these lines give o'er.
From the County News column, just above the obituary: FOUNTAIN GREEN. March 27.- The death of Miss Lucinda Beckwith was surrounded by circumstances peculiarly sad. Returning Saturday night in usual health, her sister, on awakening yesterday morning, found her breathing heavily and irregularly. A messenger was immediately dispatched for a physician, but medical skill was of no avail as life became extinct in a few moments, and her "good morning" greeting was given by the angels. She today would have assumed the duties of teacher in one of the district schools; now, with a glorious change from the school terrestrial she is enrolled as pupil in the school celestial, with the Great Teacher himself for Master.
The following report also appeared, included here without a repetition of Lucinda's poem. March 29, 1882 Webster, IL A gloom of sadness spread over our little town last Sunday morning by the sad intelligence of the sudden death of Miss Lucinda Beckwith, who on Saturday was enjoying as good health apparently as usual, it being her 21st birthday anniversary. She was a young lady of bright intellectual abilities, loved and respected by all who knew her. She leaves a vacancy which none can fill. The circumstances of her death are as follows: They having company did not retire until eleven o'clock, her sister, Mrs. Barb, sleeping with her. In the morning Mrs. Barb on waking noticed her breathing curiously: spoke to her but no response. She took hold of her and she was so limber and unnatural that she called others of the family. Miss Beckwith laid very quiet - not a struggle of any kind until about 9 o'clock she died. She had engaged a school, and was to have commenced Monday - the day of her burial. A very large funeral procession in spite of the muddy roads that prevented many more from being present. Services conducted by Rev. T. M. Walker. A few weeks ago she wrote some poetry, and on Saturday evening she copied it and added some more to it. I send here a true copy which will interest many perhaps if published. |
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