Walton, Laura R. (Barrett)

Mrs. James Walton

This noble woman passed away at her home in Ft. Calhoun about the hour of midnight, November 3, 1911, after more than eight years of terrible, though patient, suffering.

Everything that love and medical science could do was done to either save or prolong her life, and only through the kind, tender, loving care of a devoted husband was her life spared for so long a time. Yet in all her pain and suffering she was never heard to utter one word of complaint. She was always thoughtful for others and would do everything to entertain and make their visit or call a pleasant time. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and perhaps it would be safe to say that she has had more friends call to see her the last years than any other one person who has every lived in Calhoun. She was a great reader and possessed the ability to remember and to tell what she read. Her nature was very religious, giving her heart to the Lord Jesus early in life. She remained a true member of the M.E. church until the Master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The funeral service was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. L.E. Blakemore, a student from the Omaha seminary. The burial was in the Ft. Calhoun cemetery. A large number of friends gathered to show their last respects, while clusters of flowers and floral designs sent by her kind friends were many and beautiful, a lovely tribute, for she loved flowers.

All the children were present and both her sons-in-law. Two sisters, Mrs. W.H..Widney of Omaha and Mrs. W.H. Tracy of Alpha, Illinois, and their husbands were in attendance; also a niece, Mrs. C.L. Vance of Omaha, and her husband.

To the kind-hearted husband, loved ones and mourning friends the entire community extend their sympathy in their loneliness and grief.

Laura R. Barrett was born near Bangor, Maine, February 23, 1844. Her parents moved to Henry county, Illinois, March 5, 1867. Their early married life was spent near Woodhull, Illinois, then a year in Wisconsin, after which they moved to Clarinda, Iowa, where they resided for fourteen years. They came to Ft. Calhoun October 27, 1894, where they have since lived. Five children were born to this union, three sons and two daughters. Two of the sons passed away in youth. And now, after almost forty-five years of housekeeping, the one who was its life and light has gone and the home is broken, yet when we think of all her sufferings we could not wish her back.

How true the words of Helen Hunt Jackson in her poem, “Is It True”;

Is it true, O Christ in heaven, That the highest suffer most?

That the strongest wander furthest, And more helplessly are lost?

Is capacity for pain? And the anguish of the singer

Makes the sweetness of the strain?

Tribune 8 Nov 1911

Mrs. James Walton

Mrs. James Walton, who was buried in the Ft. Calhoun (Nebraska) cemetery, November 5, 1911, was born in Maine sixty-six years ago February, 1911, and was married to Veteran James Walton forty-four years ago and seventeen years ago last August came with the family to a farm near town, moving here some years later. She leaves her husband and three married children, Harry Walton of Pierre, S.D., Mrs. Honsaker of Fredonia, Kansas, and Mrs. John Trisler, all of whom were with her when she died. She has one brother in Kansas, one sister in Illinois, one in Colorado, one at Witman, Neb. and one in Omaha. Nearly all her life she has been a member of the M.E. church and her quiet Christian spirit has been all that has kept her alive for years. In spite of all her constant suffering she always tried to greet her visitors with a smile and she will be missed by hundreds outside of her own family. The Presbyterian church was filled beyond seating capacity at the funeral. There were great masses of most beautiful flowers. The sermon was by Rev. Blakemore of Omaha. Mrs. Henry Roberts was organist and Mrs. Wallie McMilian and Mrs. Charles Seirk sang the anthems. Mr. Vance, Jr. of Omaha sang a solo. The pallbearers were L.L. Wagers, D.W. Marr, Harry Rohwer, Charles Clark, W. Frahm and Edward Brenner. Among others present were Rev. Honsacker of Fredonia, Kansas, Mr. and Mrs. Vance, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. Vance, Jr. of Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Trisler of College View and other out-of-town people.

W. H. Woods.

Find a Grave Memorial# 18176899

Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Blair Public Library.