Laura Ellen (Chandler) Springer ~ half-sister of Charley Hawkins
Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, October 6, l904
"He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." Death with its icy touch has claimed a loved one. It took her even under fairest skies basking in life's sweet songs. Sept. 27, l904, MRS. LAURA ELLEN SPRINGER, of Oklahoma, near Caldwell, Kas., died at the home of her parents in Leon. She was the eldest daughter of MR. and MRS. STRAWDER CHANDLER. A dutiful daughter full of joy and sunshine. Of MR. CHANDLER's family, one half are living and one half gone on before, two sons, WESLEY and NILES, also one half of MRS. CHANDLER's, one son and one daughter, WILLIE and JANE HAWKINS, and now their daughter, LAURA.
MRS. SPRINGER was born Dec. 28, l870, in Decatur County, Iowa. She received her education mostly in this county and taking a teacher's course at Shenandoah, Iowa, made teaching her vocation for a number of years. She was highly esteemed in her school work and was a very successful teacher. She had many friends and desired to be righteous. She gave her heart to God and accepted Jesus as her Savior and never failing guide. Dec. 28th -- on her birthday -- l892, she was buried in baptism uniting with the Brethren Church and became one of the charter members at Crown Chapel. She believed much in prayer. She said, " I love to pray." Her one theme was to be prepared to meet her God; to prepare in life to meet the end of her journey here and have eternal life beyond. Her life was full of gentleness, virtue, kindness and love, and in her amiable nature was naught but warmth and affection for her loved ones, her friends and neighbors.
Sept. l4, l899, she was united in marriage to E.J. SPRINGER, of Decatur City, Iowa. To them a son was born, WILLIAM; this tender blossom was spared to bless their home but a few short months. In the spring of l90l, MR. and MRS. SPRINGER moved to Oklahoma, full of life and animation with the rich hopes of a bright future opening to them. To add joy and brightness to their home was given a little daughter -- PEARL, now l8 months old. This spring the mother's health began to fail and five weeks ago she came home to her parents, hoping a change would improve her condition. Many physicians were sought and everything that could be done was done for her, but all in vain. She suffered much but bore it all with great patience.
Little PEARL with her papa, a loving, kind and devoted husband, are left in sorrow and loneliness at their loss. Also with them in the same sad state are her father and mother, an only sister, MRS. BLANCHE KOHAL, of Kansas, two brothers, MILLER and ELMER CHANDLER, of Colorado and Washington and a half-brother, CHARLEY HAWKINS, of Chicago, and many other relatives and friends. At the age of 33 years, 8 months and 29 days, she passed away from our midst. All are left only the memory of her virtues and life, not alone to "go through the valley of the shadow of death." Christ the Redeemer will meet all they that have endured unto the end. May the God of peace comfort they that mourn. "Be then faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." -- Rev. 2:l0.
Funeral services were conducted by the Pastor of Crown Chapel, assisted by Rev. Montgomery of the Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday, Sept. 28th, interment being in the Decatur City Cemetery.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
June 26, 2003
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