Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-06-13
Observation-Disclosures
OBITUARY.
Observation-Disclosures


Elizabeth Mccall Patterson, daughter
of Mr.. and Mrs. Alexander Patterson.
was born in Highland county, ONO.
January %, 1926. When but little
girl she protested conversion and unit
ed with the Rock Springs Presbyterian
church, of which her parents were
members. August 81, 1S45, she be.
came the wife OF ]. H. Graham, who
still survives her.. To them were born
eight children, three of whom died in
infancy. Those still living are w. W..
Graham, of Chicago; Mrs. w. D..
Houghland, of Eldon; G. L., H. A. and
Miss Emma Graham. of this city, all
of whom were present during her last
illness, which was lingering, death be-
ing caused by an abnormal growth
which finally made the taking of food
impossible. The transition from the
temporal to the eternal was intelligent
and peaceful to an unusual degree. IL
In addition to her immediate family
there still survive her three sisters
and one brother: Mrs. Jane Jewett, of
Deweese, Nebraska; Mrs. Eliza Joy, of
MEANWHILE, Qa.,) Mrs. Mary Scott, of
Salem, Qa.,) w. w. Patterson, of
Morrowville, Kansas. 5
Soon after marriage Mr.. and Mrs.
Graham joined the westward flowing
tide of immigration, selecting their
home at Troy, Davis county. Being
among the pioneers and of positive
convictions and being active in Chris.
tian work, they had much to do with
developing and moulding the country
In 1855 they removed to Mt. Pleas,
ant, returning to Troy in 1851. In
1878 they located in the new town OF
Eldon, becoming charter members of
the Congregational church at that
place. While living there, in 1895,
they were granted that rare privilege
of completing the first half century;
of reaching the golden mile stone of
welded life, and with children and
friends celebrated the happy event. In
1898 they came to South Ottumwa
where they have since resided.
Mrs. Graham had developed to are
markable degree sweetness and ten
derness combined with strength of
character. These qualities so deeply
wrought in her character revealed
themselves in her face and manner
making her an impressive person even
to the passing stranger; and the i'm
preston was deepened even by the
closest acquaintance. Her life was
one of rare devotion to the principles
that moulded her character She be,
lieved implicitly that living, personal
Christ had made her what she was,
and somehow those who met her, for
even a few passing hours, were i'm
pressed that this was the secret of her
charmed and charming life, rather
than natural endowment, and took
knowledge of her that she had been
with Jesus. To meet her, whether as
a friend in the home or stranger pass
ing on the street; in health or during
her lingering illness, or in the hour of
transition, or as she lay in her beauti-
fully empowered casket, was like a
burst of sunshine through the clouds.
While at her memorial service, which
was conducted by her pastor, Rev. J..
r. Beard, tears fell in profusion and
hearts throbbed with deepest sorrow.
Yet through 1t all there was an exult-
ant strain of victory, acclaiming with
emphasis,
20, death, where is thy sting?
o, grave, where is thy victory?"
Her casket was completely embow-
cred in natures own beauty, and ev-
cry flower was tribute Of love- Some
of them were most touching in the
tribute they bore. The influence of
such life will never end, nor will it
soon be forgotten.