The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-07-02
Obituary.

Mercy (ElwelD Patterson. the wife Of
Capt. R. X. Patterson of Northport who
had been an invalid for the past two years,
caused by old age rather than by anyspecial
disease, closed her earthly existence June
Goth, at the venerable age of So years, II
months and 90 days. Mrs Patterson was
the third child and oldest daughter of the
late Lewis and Mercy Elwell, and was born
in Northport June %, 1910. At about the
age OF "A years she was united in marriage
to Rufus X. Patterson, formerly of Waldo,
who still survives her at the advanced age
of 81 years, and is in excellent health. Three
daughters and two sons are left to cheer and
comfort him in his declining years-Rufus
E. and Mrs. Lydia Pendleton, who reside in
Northport; Mrs. Alice A. Norton of Bur
lington, VT; Mrs Mary Currer of Camden,
and William E., who lives at the old home
stead. Mrs. Patterson has three brothers
living-Amrose, William and Daniel Elwel,
all we'll advanced in years. During her long
confinement she bore her aches and pains
with wonderful courage and endurance. No
particular change in her condition was no.
ticeable until few days before her death,
when it was plainly evident that the end
was near. Friday evening those of her fam
lily and others who were present at her bed
side We're visbly affected by her painful
commissions, but when they ceased she was
calm and rational and asked those around
her if they knew what the matter was with
her, as she could not understand the trouble
herself Conscious that her time was short
she spoke to her husband and said, "Rufus,
come and kiss me- AS he did so she placed
her arms about him and he impaired upon
the palid cheek of his beloved wife of more
than a half century the last earthly kiss,
which go long years ago had been given as a
pledge of fidelity in the years to come, now
80 faithfully kept and ended The son she
atfectionately embraced, clasping him to her
heart as tenderly as of yore At this pathetic
scene every eye was bathed in tears and all
present We're deeply touched by the solemn
ity of the occasion. Peacefully and calmly
at last her spirit departed to realms above,
where she awaits the coming of those she so
dearly loved and who 80 dearly loved her.
Although never having united with any re-
ligious society she strongly inclined toward
the Methodist faith, and during her long and
useful life strictly adhered to the tenets of
That faith as she understood them. Kind
and generous to all she won the respect and
esteem of everyone, and her departure will
long be missed in that section of the town
in which she resided. The funeral occurred
Monday afternoon, June 22nd at her resi-
dence and was well attended by her rela-
| tves, friends and neighbors. Rev. Mr.. Ross
Of Camden ot1iciated and spoke very briefly
and consoiingly to the afflicted and words of
encouragement to all present. Notwith-
standing the consoling and cheering words
| rendered by the divine, the husband, sons
and daughters will long feel in their hearts
that
A precious one from them has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.
God in His wisdom has recalled
The boon His love had given;
And though the body moulders here
The soul is safe i'll heaven.