Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-08-03
MISS ESTHER DOUGLASS, AGED
90, DIES AT CEDAR RAPIDS
HOME.
THIRTY YEARS AS
MISSIONARY in SOUTH
Lahored Long 70 Uplift Black Race,
Aiding Many Negro Boys in Search
For Observation-Disclosures Assisted to
Thso'osicsI aTrainins-Lons Prom-
nent Among Pioneer. Of Linn County

" 'OSNeAi7 1NdPIOSs aug. O.-.dlSS lHGI
Douglass, whose quiet, gracious life,
full of good deeds for others, bene-
diction to thousands, who called her
their friend, passed into the Great
Beyond at O'clock Tuesday evening
at the Home for Aged Women. Dis
solution came peacefully at the age
of, ninety-two years.
& The death of Miss Douglass marks
the passing of one of earth's noble
women, refined, educated and cultur-
ed, firm believer in doing little kind
ly acts for others from day to day.
Much of her life was spent as a teach
er and she chose to be missionary
to the negroes of the south. 1t was
chiefly in the Carolinas where she
labored for the uplift OF the black. She
saw many a little boy to whom she
had pointed the better life, grow to
manhood and enter the ministry. In
later years those little negro boys
grown to mans estate, journeyed to
Cerad Rapids to pay visit to one
whom they had learned to love and
respect and who first gave them a
start on the upward path. Letters
which she received from her old pupils
told of their progress and Of how
much they were Indebted to her for
instruction and kindness in the early
day.
Thirty Years a Missionary.
Miss Douglass was young woman
when she began to teach the negroes.
She began her work year before the
civil war closed and continued as
missionary among them for many
years or until her health failed. Then
she came north. For fourteen years
nine months and eight days she had
been a resident of the Home for Aged
Women Born in Hanover Mass, 80
years ago June 10 last, her entire life
was spent in minstering to others.
Perhaps no other resident of the
known as Miss Douglass. She was
the oldest OF them all and her life
there was a blessing to those in the
home. Her room was flied with the
best class OF literature. She was a
great student Of the bible and would
often invite others into her room for
bible reading and study. conducting
classes for all who wished to learn OF
the Great Teacher. She was woman
Of strong convictions and lived sin
cere and constant christian life. On
one occasion when dinner was serv-
ed to the residents and outside guests
she put at each place religious tract,
showing how deeply she was interest
ed in the higher life. She loved to-
write letters and until a year ago kept
up correspondence with many OF her
acquaintance in the south. Pictures
Of young negro boys whom she had
taught were dear to her and she
showed them proudly to friends who
visited her. Fairly worshipped by
these negroes, whose teacher she had
been. there is much sorrow today
among this people over her passing.
Prominent at Settlers Pienies.
For years Miss Douglass has been
a prominent figure at the annual pic
mic OF the old people at Cedar Rapids.
She loved to mingle among the old
settlers and talk over old times. For
a number of years she held the prize
for being the oldest person present.
Last year she was too i'll to attend,
missing this annual event for the f1rst
time in many years. On the year
previous she refused to accept the
prize offered, believing it should be
passed around. that she had received
it often enough.
The funeral Of Miss Douglass was
held Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock
from the Home for Aged Women, with
the Rev. H. E. Harmed of the First
Congregational church. officiating.
The body: was taken to DEBORAH for
burial this morning. Her nearest
relative, Charles Adams professor
in Ann Arbor college. arrived in time
for the funeral Miss Douglass lived
for time in Waterloo with her sister.
Mrs. Adams, and her husband, both
Of whom are dead