Rosa Bell (Johnson) Maurer
Obituary
Transcribed by Anne Bernay

Microfilm of The Rushville Times: February 17, 1898

Viewed at The Schuyler County Historical Museum, July 25, 1996

page 6

In Memoriam.

            Rosa Bell, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Finley Johnson, was born in Rushville , Ill. , Jan. 2, 1863; was married to Mr. Jacob Maurer of this place in January 1884, and died Feb. 9, 1898, in her 36th year. Mrs. Maurer always had great sympathy for suffering humanity, and she had a gentle, affectionate nature that characterized her through life in her family and among her friends. In her beautiful home, with her devoted husband and surrounded by her little children, life was very sweet to her, and she bade fair to live many years; but, alas for human hopes!

            Mrs. Maurer was a faithful member of the Methodist church, an affectionate wife, a devoted mother, a loving daughter and sister. She was unselfish in the extreme, never thinking of her own pleasure, but ever seeking the good and happiness of all those who were so near and dear to her. Her Bible was her guide and she taught her little children its truths and commands, always producing on their minds good and true impressions that they will never forget.

            In December their only little son was taken very ill with typhoid fever, and the devoted mother, day and night, tenderly and constantly, nursed her precious child, praying that "her Heavenly Father might spare his life." Shortly afterwards their eldest daughter also took sick and Mrs. Maurer had double duty to perform, although aided by her kind husband, mother and sisters. Finally, through long days and nights of weary watching, with her heart full of anxiety (alternating between hope and fear) the faithful mother succumbed to disease, and while her two dear children so much needed her care she lay helpless on a bed of suffering, and although Mrs. Maurer had the most faithful nursing and tender care, every effort to restore her to health proved fruitless. On Wednesday morning, about 10 o'clock, the beloved wife and mother calmly and sweetly finished her life's journey, and passed to the shores of the better land. Henceforth no sickness, nor anxiety, nor sorrow will ever more disturb her, but, in that land where shadows never come, sweet rest and peace, and a joyous reunion with loved ones and sunlight of the ever present Saviour, are now her blissful heritage. "Alas, Alas! Is it all of life? Ah, no. There's somewhere a fairer shore, where hands once parted shall clasp once more. A beautious land in the far away, where light and joy will e'er remain, and the soul it's long lost treasure regain."

            Mrs. Maurer has left her husband, one son and three daughters to mourn her untimely loss. The youngest daughter, a babe of six months, will never realize a mother's love. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. J. W. Miller, assisted by Rev. W.D. Blaylock, were held at the house Friday at 10 A.M. A large crowd of sympathizing friends and citizens were present. Mr. Miller chose for his text, Jer. 15:9, "Her son is gone down while it is yet day." The first M.E. choir sweetly sang "Asleep in Jesus" and "My Jesus As Thou Wilt," and the casket was carried out to our city of the dead, and the beloved remains were tenderly laid away in their everlasting rest.

                        "Where under the cypresses, softly o'er shadowed,

                        Until the angel calls them, they slumber."

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