Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1925-03-18
A TRTRTTE

~ Last PiOneer-MrS. Caroline Cooper.
Caroline Cooper was born at Spring
vile, Pa, and came with her parents
Joseph and Electa Cooper to Wiscon-
sin in 1916 In the year 1850 she was
married to Benjamin Hudson, son OF
the Oldest settler of Blakes Prairie
The old Hudson home with sagging
roof, still stands, a landmark of those
far away days. A little further down
ON the main Travelled road, in the shade
of magnificent trees and near a rip
ping brook was built the home which
Benjamin Hudson took his bride rs
years ago.
Their union was one of the kind that
God hath joined, and man can not put
asunder. / do not know when the
family altar was established in this
home. Neither do I know when the
father was not known and affection
ateIy addressed as "Uncle Ben" by all
who knew him. Children came to
bless their home, and to grow in low
ing faith of the kindest of fathers and
gentlest of mothers.
"Uncle Ben's" voice was often heard
in song and exhortation in the meet
ings of the community. And the be-
nign influence of such a character
does not perish.
Three and twenty years ago the
good man was called higher. The
God in whom the worthy couple had
trusted, tempered the sorrow of the
widow. But always there was the va
cancy. Though her declining years
were made comfortable by the child
ren-her hearts desire was to end her
days in the home where she had lived
so long and happily-and where PA
left her. The wish was gratitied.
Bearing the weight of 80 years, two
months and 90 days-ripe for the har-
vest, the venerable mother was
gathered in" March Z. 1925. She was
the last of those sturdy men and
women who came as settlers of
Blake's Prairie. In the old Providence
burying ground and the Dodge ceme-
terry you will see many monuments of
those departed.
Like sea marks left amid the pas
sing waves
OF generations that go down to their
forgotten graves"
Mrs. Hudson was a dear woman of
gentle demeanor, and kindly ways
She had great breadth of affection
seeing only the good in otherS-read-
sickness and in health, in toll and in
ease, she lived by faith conceiving no
higher honor than by and by to lean
on the arms which she made strong
by her strength and to trust in the
hearts kept true by her own purity
and fidelity. And looking forward to
no greater glory than the glad well
come of those whom she "had loved
long since and lost awhile" and l am
sure there was no one whose feet
crowded hard against the shore, and
whose outstretched arms welcomed
with greeting not to be described by
human tongue or language.
Truly of such can we say: 1.-THE
redeemed of the Lord shall return
and come with singing unto Zion. and
everlasting joy shall be upon their
heads. And they shall obtain joy anc
gladness, and sorrow and signing shall
fly away"
Services were held in the Dodge
cemerety, the Rev Burden officiating
Hymns were beautifully rendered by
Mrs. Lilly BARLEY. Ralph Hoskins and
wife.
Surviving are one son, Will. on the
home place; four daughters. Mrs. Ell
len Prideaux, Mrs. Lucy Gordon of
Arlington, Iowa; Mrs. Lucia Kern of
Lancaster; and Mrs. Emma McNamee
of Bloomington. Ten grandchildren
and "a great grandchildren. and one
great-great-g randchild
The many floral offerings were indi-
catiye of the wide felt esteem in which
the departed mother and her family
We're held.-B d. S.