Backbone. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. ;) 1897-1906, 1898-03-01
Frances e. Willard.

Frances E. Willard, Worlds and National President
of the w. G. T. IT, triumphed death at New York
City early on the morning Of Feb. IS. A few weeks
since she went to that city in the interest of the Tenn
perance Temple to which she had dedicated the year.
Alarming rumors as to her condition appeared in the
public press from time to time among them one that
she was suffering from of the stomach The de-
NAL of it's truth was followed however, by almost
equally startling statements. She batted with nfiu-
enza for several weeks and had not sufficient strength
to rally its effects In the early evening OF the
18th she asked her physician, Dr. Hills, to tell her ex-
acty what to expect He replied that she was failing
so rapidly that could not promise her that she might
see another morning. She responded that it we'll
Turning slightly in her bed, she called Anna Gordon
and gave her some final instructions concerning the
work of the w. G. T. u She conscious until mid
night just before her departure opened her eyes
and seemed recognize those about her. She pressed
Miss Gordon's hand, smiled family, and in another mo-
ment was gone.
On Sunday afternoon funeral services took place at
Broadway Tabernacle Rev. e. s. Triple, D. D.. oficiat
ing "Blest Be the Tie that Binds Our Hearts in
Christian Love- sung by the congregation. Rev.
G. H. Payne D. D., read the Scriptures and Bishop
Newman, of the M. 3. church. led in prayer Other
leading ministers of various denominations also took
part in the service At it's Close the form of the loved
of white flowers ordered by her dear friend, Lady
Henry Somerset, was returned to the home of her
niece, Mrs. Baldwin. On Monday evening the sad
journey to Chicago begun. At the earnest request
of it's citizens, halt of few hours made at
Churchville N. Y. the birthplace of Miss Willard. Ar
irving in Chicago Wednesday morning. the remains
were placed in Willard Hall and all day unbroken
line of people, numbering tens of thousands, looked
upon the dear face for the last time Throughout the
day choir of fifty voices rendered Miss Wizards
favorite hymns and other appropriate selections.
brief service held at At four o'clock after
the benediction by Bishop Vincent, hundreds were
turned away disappointed By the order of Mayor
Harrison the city faghad hung at hafmast in honor
of Chicago's most illustrous woman, and the same
tribute paid to her memory at Washington on the
day of the final services AtEvanston students the
Northwestern University took charge of the remains
and as they entered Rest Cottage "Home Sweet
Home sung with faltering voices On Thursday
morning after "How firm foundation" had been sung
Mrs. L. M. N. Stevens of Maine, Vice President-at
Large and who will take Miss Ward's place for the
remainder of the year, offered touching prayer and
the remains borne to the NJ e. Church. where for
many years Miss Willard had worshipped At every
point the floral decorations had been most elaborate
and appropriate Here they still On the
floor beneath the casket rug of and voles
and forming radiant arch the beloved sleeper
was rainbow of springs blossoms, Beneath the
rainbow and caught away from the casket by lowering
dove broad, white ribbon bearing in silver letters
her last spoken Words How beautiful to be with God
Rev. Frank M. Bristol, D. d. Miss Willards pastor,
had charge of the services. Bishop Bowman offered
prayer the choir sang Tennysons Crossing of the
Bar" President Rogers of the University spoke of
miss Willard Educator" Mrs. Louise Rounds,
State W. G. T. u President of Illinois, spoke of miss
Willard a Patriot" Favored Illinois, she said,
in holding the sacred dust of the nations grandest
Abraham Lincoln, and its greatest woman, Frances E.
Willard "Pray you in this her home and in this her