Elizabeth E. “Lizzie” Biffar (Goll)

Another of our older citizens passed away this week when Mrs. N. T. Biffar died of pneumonia. The funeral took place this, Wednesday, afternoon at two o’clock, the service being held in the open air at the family home six miles north of Blair. A corps of singers from the city churches sang, “Jesus Lover of My Soul” and “Come Ye Discanso Late,” and Rev. J. B. Williams, pastor of Blair Christian Church, gave a short funeral sermon. Following is part of what he said:

“Lizzie E. Goll was born in Washington County, north of Blair, October 7, 1864 and therefore was 54 years of age at her death. In this community she has lived most of her life. In her 16th year she married Mr. N. T. Biffar, that was on April 2, 1880. They have lived continuously in the same home for 35 years. They are the parents of nine children, three of whom are dead, Wesley Raymond, Walter Roy, and George Leslie. Four sons survive and two daughters, Francis T., John J., Lonnie, who is now a soldier at Camp Dodge, and Clyde, the daughters being Mrs. Roy Peak and Miss Hazel.

Mrs. Biffar also leaves three sisters and a half-brother: Misses Amelia and Mary Goll, of Blair, Mrs. Ellis Lindstrom, of Blair, and Mr. W. R. Goll, of Ft. Calhoun.

Although not advanced in years deceased has lived a good deal in the 54 years of her presence here. For no woman can rear nine children without knowing the cares and burdens and responsibilities of life. And if those duties lay heavy upon her at times no one was the wiser for she was uncomplaining. She filled out the measure of her years by simply doing her best, laboring steadfast for her family, losing thought of necessity in her own needs and desire in serving her household. She was by nature and grace a homemaker and a home lover. Her gentle presence and quiet persuasive ways were the making of a rare home atmosphere and a pleasant home enchantment.

In disposition she was easy and patient and in her tongue was the law of kindness. Out of a large warm heart and with unvarying good nature she made life more enjoyable in the main and smoothed out many of its rough places. And thus she has offered no small contribution in the making of the world a better place to live in.

And now in the passing from us she leaves in many a heart a sense of loss which will long be felt. Our best and dearest friends are so much to us that we seldom take time to think of their uncommon value until they are gone. It is then that their absence brings upon us the full weight of our loss.

But God who is over all, is good to all and in his everlasting grace all may find solace and rest and salvation to the bereaved and likewise to all others who mourn today in our land and throughout the great world.

Find a Grave Memorial #22218691 ~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping on file at the Blair Public Library.~~~