The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1877-02-08
MRS. r.. 8. ELKINS.

| Since the death OF Mrs. ElklnS desire has
been expressed among her many friends that
something be published about her life and char
acter. An early acquaintance. who was to have
written a sketch, has been hindered thus far by
continued sickness. Still few words should be
recorded, even at this late day, about one who
was so long a resident of our city.
MISS LOUISA M. SWAsEY was born in Hayer-
| hill, N. H., March 18th, 1918; was married to
Mr.. E. S. Elkins, at the same place, Aug 10Th,
1889. The bridal couple soon moved to Buffalo,
where they lived till Nov. 18th, 1s43, when they
came around the lakes, by the steamer Constitu-
ton, and landed here at the village of South
port.
1t may be interesting to note what the place
was at that time, and fortunately MacCabe's
Gazetteer, published few weeks before their ar
rival, gives us the facts. From this we learn
that Southport, in Nov. 1913, had 1920 inhabit-
ants-974 male and S46 female. 1t was vigor-
GUS population, $40 (nearly one-third) being be-
tween the ages of 20 and 80. Most of the inhab-
itants were American only ITO were Irish, and
only IL were German. 1t was year of great ac-
tivity here as the building record shows In
Nov, 1912, Southport numbered only 1879 houses.
But Nov. 1843 saw 1854 here, of which only three
were log, while six were of brick and one of
stone. At that time Southport distanced Ra-
cine which counted only about 1tOO inhabitants,
while Milwaukee numbered only about 600C.
Through the many subsequent changes which
these figures indicate, Mrs. Elkins remained
resident of this place till her death, Nov 3D.,
1876. Hers was not, Of course, public life, but
her influence was most felt in the domestic field,
where WomanhOod shows it's true worth and
grace. Tho of an impulsiYe nature, she was kind
hearted wife and mother, whose value her family
now feel they cannot too highly express. She
had love Of the beautiful, seen in her fondness
for music and flowers. She had also that love of
moral beauty which shows itself in honest, up
right life. But her influence was not confined to
the family circle. She loved society when she
was able to enjoy it. And though not caring
much for the little outside proprieties which or
binary society think so important she won many
friends by her warmhearted nature, frank
speech and upright course.
But it was during her long illness, that her vir-
tues were especially proved Through these
last five years of prostration, through two years
of entire helplessness. through two weeks of
speechlessness, she showed patience that sur
prised her friends. Her cheerfulness looked
constantly on the bright side, her gratitude was
deep for all the kndnesses of friends and neigh
bors, and her only regret was that she was
obliged to cause her friends care and trouble.
Through all the various changes in her lot, she
bore herself WE'LL And at length after the work
was done, passed calmly and peacefully to her
rest.
But what of her religion? some would say. Is
it not religion enough to stand firmly at ones
post and do the work God gives us, honestly and
patiently? Mrs Elkins cared little for the words
and ceremonies that pass for religion among
many pious people but she believed in and tried
to observe the better religion of justice and mer
cy. The best christianity is not that Of parade
and profession, but the christian spirit of fidelity
and love inspiring our daily lives Such chris
tianity she desired to practice. She had no anx-
ety about the future, but was willing to leave
her case in the hands Of that God whose love en-
folds us all.