Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1922-08-31
Obituary Elizabeth MAXWELL Dodge

Obituary Elizabeth NankiveIi-Doid
~, Elizabeth Jane Nankivel was boz
;" in Tavistock, DevOnshire, Englan
April Is, 1888, and departed tn
life at Talmage, Kansas. August 2
1922, aged 81 years, months an
10 days.
In her early childhood her parent
and one sister moved to IIorndol
England, where she grew to woman
hood. Here she met, was wooed an
won by Roger Dodge, young ma
residing In that city, on Jan. /;
1860.
In July, 1871, the young husband
wife and five children emigrated t.
America, locating in Mcintyre, PA
But the call of the western prairie
grew strong and In 1878 they cam
to Kansas and entered the claim
in Willowdale township, Dickinson
county, which Is still in possession
OF the family. Feb. -, 1906, when
nearly 70 years Of age the husband
and father, Roger Dodge, passed III
triumphant faith to the better world
AZ WIN uCI lubDuuu pIt
gave six children, four sons and two
daughters, all born in England ex-
cept the youngest, James who was
born In Mcintyre, Pa. All are living
and present but Sarah, who married
Grant Karr, and died after giving
birth to Il daughter, Mary Karr- Will
son, who was reared by Mother
Dodge from her infancy. The chill
dren in the order Of age are: Will
liam, Of Talmage; Elias, Of Solomon /;
Alfred, Of Abilene; Mrs. Mary Fem,
Of Talmage; James, who resides on
the old homestead, and the adopted
granddaughter, Mary Karr- Wilson Of
Carlton, Kansas.
After her husbands death she
continued to live on and run the farm
with the aid of her children remain
Ing at home until about seven years
ago when she purchased the cottage
In Talmage in which she has since
resided. Since the marriage of her
laughter Mary, to VIM. Fem, which
occurred almost three years ago she
and her eldest and unmarried son,
William, Wave lived together, and
Notwithstanding her age eshe has
Been the keeper Of the house In
large measure until her declining
strength forbad her doing more tnan
just to direct and attend to some
very light duties. However her son
cared for her very tenderly and
faithfully, being assisted by her
daughter and loving friends. Her
physical powers just gradually
waped until at last the vital organs
ceased functioning and she sweetly
ceased her life here. Beside her cnil-
Sren there are eight grandchildren,
the eldest Of the latter class being
IA.
In her early childhood she profess
ed conversion and united with the
Bible Christian, an English sect of
pronounced religious fervor, but us
her husband belonged to the Meth
sdist church, after her marriage she
united with that denomination and
when they came to America they
transferred their allegiance to the
American branch Of Methodism, the
Methodist Episcopal and were among
the original members Of the Willow
dale society In which she retained
her membership until death.
Mother" Dodge was a woman of
physical vitality though
not Of large frame. She especially
delighted In walking and was proud
VI her ability to walk long distances
which, when she was In her vigor
she often did. To this exercise she
attributed her physical vigor in some ;
degree. She was very alert and quick
mentally, being of vivacious dispo-
sition, always cheerful and courag- ,
eous. No danger daunted nor afflic- :
lion depressed her. Her religion was
hopeful, and cheerful and
she looked to future life with great '
hope and anticipation. She delight
I'd in public worship as long as she
was able to attend and enjoyed re-
igious discourse with her friends and
associates so that her children and
friends do not sorrow as those who
nave no hope. In these last days,
he twilight days Of a bright and
shining life, she spoke often with
,reat cheer Of her departure, often
quoting appropriate passages of
scripture and repeating portions of
avorite hymns, occasionally saying,
I've done my work" The last MORN
ng she greeted her daughter, Mary
when she came in with the words,
Glory! thought last night l would {
'e in glory before the morningr"
Thus passeth one of the mothers
n Israel; one of the pioneers of ,
Kansas; one of that glorious band of
ler0es and heroines who endured the
drouths and the hardships
4 the early settlers, who with daunt- !
ess courage and holy faith builded !
Iere In the middle Of this great ma ,
ion the most progressive, free and
commonwealth found on
he globe. There viii be no need to
ear costly monuments for such as
he The prairies Of Kansas dotted
With farm houses, bejeweled with J
prosperous cities made holy with 5
eauteous houses Of worship and
nade wise By the school house at the ]
ross roads, IL the monument which Y
viii recall their memories through
II coming time.
Blessed are the dead VINO die in
he Lord from henecforth. Yea, (
ayeth the Spirit, that they may rest
rom their labors: and their works I
2 follow them. J.K-M. i