|
|
"Melva M. Gall Patton"
ST. JOSEPH, MO DAILY NEWS, MONDAY, FEB 18, 1901
(page 6 col 5) THE HILLSBORO DISPATCH
MELVA M. PATTON,aged thirty years, wife of William S. Patton died this morning at home 2015 Highland Ave. Deceased leaves two small children, a boy and a girl. Arrangements for the funeral have not been made, but the remains will probably will be sent to the Meierhoffer Funeral Home.
ST. JOSEPH, MO DAILY NEWS, MONDAY, FEB 18, 1901 (page 6 col 5) THE HILLSBORO DISPATCH .....Sinking Spring-Died at her home in St. Joseph, MO., February 18, after an illness of only one week. Melvia Gall Patton, wife of Will S. Patton. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Gregory, of St. Joseph, Mo., assisted by Revs. Maddox and Brown. Pall bearers were Mrs. Bertha Hundley, Mrs. Myrtle Keen, Mrs. Olive Belleson, Mrs. Martha Tener and Miss Anna Mckeehan and Dot Hammond. Deceased was 30 years old, 10 months and 2 days old at the time of their death. Melvia was widely known for one of her years, and the large procession that followed her remains to their last resting place bespeaks the fact that her death cast a gloom over the town and community in which she lived. She united with the M.E. Church at Sinking Spring in January, '91', and her walk and conversation ever seemed that of integrity and uprightness. She bore her sufferings patiently and often in heroic silence that she might not distress those she loved. She had traveled far on the road that started well towards the summit of life's experience. As yet she stood near the base of the mountain of life's discipline, toils and battles, but with faith, hope and courage, when suddenly the message that speaks alike to the lowly and great, seemed to say, "it is enough; come up higher/" Truly, there are many lessons in the wonderful disposition of Providence that startle us, yea, that often pain and perplex us to read. How often the flower which gives fragrance and beauty to the landscape is crushed in its blom, while the obnoxious plant is allowed to grow and spread seed of pestilence and desolation. But as in the voice of nature, the bruised flower gives forth its sweet fragrance; so, in the language of the higher truth, a broken and contrite spirit sends up the sweetest, incense to its Good. Though dead, yet "she speaketh," and "their deeds do follow them." For us, the lesson of her experience is pure and wholesome, for it is eternal gain. With a grief stricken family and sympathetic community, we bow our heads and hearts in humble submission to the authority of Him that doeth all things well, believing and trusting that if we walk in the light that is the great adjustment of eternity, we shall see her as she is.
"Minnie Belle Gall McClure"
MINNIE BELL GALL-McCLURE....Minnie Belle, daughter of John N. and Nancy Gall was born November 3, 1871, in North Un9ion, Jackson Township, and with the exception of the four years she lived there, spend her entire life in Brush Creek Township, Highland County near Fort Hill and then Sinking Spring. In her declining years she was tenderly cared for by Mrs Exie Satterfield and Miss Sally Reno of Belfast. Her ancestors came in which the first settlers when the country was a wilderness and the wolves howled around the pioneer cabin at night. In her girlhood days she worked in her father's store at Sinking Spring and then taught school a short time. She also gave music lessons. On November 11, 19801, she was united in marriage to Thomas H. McClure who proceeded her in death July 10, 1947. They had one son, John Wilson McClure; a grandson, Thomas L.; a great-grandson, John D.; and two great granddaughters, Charity and Cathie, all of Bainbridge. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, often remembered and very dear to her. For many years she was a loyal, faithful member of the Olive Branch Universalist Church and Missionary Alliance, serving as superintended, teacher, and organist. For twenty-five years she served as president of the Sinking Spring Womens Christian Temperance Union. She quietly slipped away December 22, 1965 aged 94.
They never quite leave us--our fiends who have passed through the gateway of death to the sunlight above. For a thousand sweet memories are holding them fast--to places they blessed by their presence and love.
And the Father's house lies over the hill, where the Sun of life goes down. There shall be rest and the Father's smile, Forever her work shall Crown
"Mrs. Nancy Jane Washburn-Gall"
TEMPERANCE...By Lizzie H. Harsha....The following is a tribute to Grandma Washburn for the Sisters of Sinking Spring W. C. T. U. We do not come with any fulsome en logy, but with simple words of love and truth, to testify our appreciation of this most honored member of our Union.
It is about fifteen years since Grandma joined with us, becoming..of the great hose of women who stand for God and home and every land. she had hesitated about joining, because she feared on account of physical weakness, she would be unable to attend the meetings.
"Wait for the Morning---it will come indeed
sure as the night hat given need;
The yearning eyes at last will strain their Sight
No more unanswered by the morning light;
No longer will they vainly strive, through tears,
To pierce the darkness of thy doubts and fears:
But, bathed in balmy dews and rays of dawn,
Will smile with rapture o'er the darkness dawn.
And do what she wished to do for the cause."
But, being convinced by her beloved and lamented, granddaughter, Mrs. Melvia Patton, that it was her duty to throw her influence where her heart ever was, being assured that would be helpful to the Union to do so, she immediately acted on her convictions of right for she was so true and sincere, it was no sacrifice for Grandma to sign our pledge, subscribe to our constitution, pay the yearly dues and stand for the principles of Temperance righteousness, purity and love of humanity, for they had long been embodied in her life.
So, she became a member of the organized band of motherhood and sisterhood united together for the overthrow of their enemy, the liquor traffic, and has ever been loyal to its every requirement and interest
News-Herald, Hillsboro, OH Thursday, April 21, 1928...INTERESTING LIFE OF AGED WOMAN......Mrs. J. N. Gall of sinking Spring tells of early life and pupils she taught.
The following interesting story about Mrs. Nancy Jane Washburn-Gall of Sinking Spring was published in the Sunday Columbus Dispatch. In it reference is made to a number of prominent citizens of this county. Mrs. Violet Morgan Turner of this city wrote the story.
"The faithful performance of one's duty." says Nancy Jane Washburn Gall, age 91, of Sinking Spring, Highland county, Ohio, "Is one of the most important things in life".
She must have instilled this virtue firmly in the minds of her pupils..Mrs. Gall was once a teacher in the Washburn school, district number nine, near the C.C.C. camp site at Fort Hill for she recalls vividly the young men and women who went out from the school to win success.
Mrs. Gall one of the best cooks in Brushcreek township, is known far and wide for her pies and biscuits. She was born February 14, 1847, in a house near the present entrance to Fort Hill. Living in sight of this historic spot she has never visited it, except for the three years following her marriage to John N. Gall, when they moved to North Union in the adjoining township of Jackson. She has lived her entire life in and near Sinking Spring.
Her great-grandfather, James Washburn, migrated from Virginia to the land here, which he possessed and he gave the plot for the pioneer school. This land is now owned by Henry Countryman. On the farm is the Washburn family burial ground where he and many of the Washburn are buried. Washburn hill nearby, one of the highest hills in the township and state, towering to an elevation of 1334 feet, was named for the pioneer Washburn.
"When Grandfather Washburn came here this was a wild country infested by animals. Grandmother Washburn used to tell me about the pioneer days and how the wolves used to surround the cabin at night. How terror-stricken they were for fear the animals would get in at the blanket which served as a door!" Her father, Thomas Washburn owned a grist and saw mill near Sinking Spring. Called the Washburn mill. It later was known as Reed's mill. He then bought a farm near Fort Hill where his daughter, Nancy Jane, was born and near where she was later to teach.
"I shall never forget them." she reflected tenderly, with the midst of tears in her grave hazel eyes-my girls and boys, a large class of young men attended to prepare for teaching. Among those who became successful teachers were Anthony Setty, who went away to fight in the Civil War and returned to become an influential farmer in Adams county. Isaac Wesley Jarnagin, who died near Hillsboro, P.P. Stultz, who went to the Civil War and later settled somewhere in Indiana where he died. Joe Washburn who died near Barrett's mill in Highland Yound, and his crippled brother, Sanford, who spent his last days in Bainbridge, Ohio.
"My husband taught a the Washburn school after our marriage and he was as proud of his pupils as I was of mine. One of his most promising was the late Oliver Newton Sams of Hillsboro, Ohio, the best mathematician in school. My husband watched "his boy" become a lawyer, president of a bank, and director of the Federal Reserve bank of Cleveland; and after my husbands death, I had the privilege of watching Oliver go forgoing on to greater honors. Another prized pupil was Mrs. Olive Watts of Hillsboro, wife of Attorney Joseph Watts. She Waas considered the best reader in the school and community. I can remember as though it were yesterday that whenever she gave her reading, "My Mother's Bible", the audience, young and old, broke down and wept. Then there was Mrs. Flo Parshall, now of California, who was a writer of splendid essays, Joe Erbanks, a teacher who went to Barberton; Dan T. Hizer, and the late Marion Hizer of Greenfield, and the late Ferris Cummins, of Pisgah, Ohio, all who showed promise and fulfilled my husband's expectations".
Mrs. Gall was one of a family of eight children and is its only survivor. She had two daughters, Minnie, wife of Mr. T. H. McClure, a prominent merchant and citizen of Sinking Spring, with who she makes her home; and Melva May Gall Patton, deceased. She has three grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, six great-great grand children and one great-great grandchild born recently at Duluth, Minnesota, who she has never seen.
A loyal W.C.T.U. member, Mrs. Gall rarely misses a meeting. Outside of her cooking and baking she likes best to bake an apple pie for her little grandson Tommy McClure--she enjoys a variety of reading, chiefly the Bible, three church papers and city and county newspapers. Anther hobby is writing letters to friends and relatives.
"If it were not for my rheumatism she says, "I would feel as young as ever, for otherwise I have great health. One thing I am thankful for is that my mind is active and clear. It grieved me deeply to see my friends losing their memory as they aged. "Young people in general of today lack something I cannot get accustomed to. This is the lack of respect for, and courtesy to, their elders."
In her day, she says folks lived well on much less than they do today. She has enjoyed watching the progress of the times and remarks on the improvement of modes of transportation and how small the world seems now because of means of transportation.
Her son-in-law, Mr. T.M. McClure, started his business career in Sinking Spring by hauling kegs of water in his wagon to the cemetery at the top of a high hill overlooking Sinking Sporing. For each keg he was paid two cents by a woman who used the water regularly to water the numerous flowers that she growing on her family burial plot. Mrs. Gall wonders how many of the present young generation would be willing to start so humbly. "Times have certainly changed", she concluded thoughtfully. But Mrs. Gall seems untouched by times, for though her hair has silvered and rheumatism has halted her steps, youth still lingers in her heart and speech.
The white badge she always worn above her heart, was a true symbol of the life within. The keynote of
Grandma's life seemed to be love to God and her fellow beings. "The greatest thing says some, one that a man can do for his Heavenly Father, is to be kind to some of his other children, "I wonder how it is that, we are not all kinder than we are, how much the world needs it and how easy it is to do it. This, our dear sister firmly believed and exemplified in her long life of 87 years. Humanity, purity and virtue, will miss her? Every member of our Union looked forward with joyful anticipation to our meetings at Grand Washburn's. We always planned, if possible, a special program, something better than usual for these occasion.
Shall we ever forget the smile of welcome, that lit up her serene and beautiful countenance; the earnest hand clasp and kindly word to each one, her attention to all the service and songs she longed to near? Often the tears streamed down her cheeks. There was such a spiritual atmosphere, that Heaven seemed just a little nearer, almost like a divine benediction had fallen upon us, and we went out from her presence freely inspired for life's duties. The last time she ever met with us in answer to roll call, how beautiful her last quotation; "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." As we gather around her today in this dear home, the comradeship of our "White Ribbon" sisterhood seems more sacred than ever before. While we are sad that we are separated for a time, yet are we glad for her translation: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Our hearts go out in prayer to Grandma's God and God asking that he will continue to sustain and comfort the devoted loving daughter and son, who have so faithfully ministered to this dear mother and the other loved daughters and granddaughters and sons, who can rise up and call her memory blessed.
Dear Sisters of the Union, we know that "our sands of life are running fast." With this life before us, let us resolve to be truer to each other, more sincere in our devotion to our fellow creatures, to the living principles of Christianity, so that when our work is done and we lay our armor down and hear that "one clear call" we may be able to say with our loved Frances Willard and doubtless, Grandma, ere this has said, "How beautiful to be with God." We can say of Grandma in farewell:" "Thy life was life the fragrant flower...No pomp, no boast, no pride of birth, But loving kindness, hour by hour. Has left its perfume on the earth: They life was sweet, sweet be they rest, In that Great City of the soul.
HILLSBORO, OHIO, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1934.....Quits Business After 48 Years...Gall Store in Sinking Spring Closed in April---Landmark of Village..........The John N. Gall Store at Sinking Spring quit business on April 9, after 48 years of continuous service to the community. The picture shows the store and the residence adjoining in which Mr. Gall lived. In the picture reading from left to right are: The above picture shows the store and the residence adjoining in which Mr. Gall lived. In the picture reading from left to right are:.....On porch-Mrs. John N. Gall, Mrs. Thomas Washburn mother of Mrs. Gall; John Patton, grandson of Mrs. Gall; Melva Gall Patton, daughter of Mrs. Gall; Mrs. Frank M. Suite, sister of Mrs. Gall. Standing--Minnie Gall McClure daughter of Mrs. Gall; John N. Gall; Beatrice Patton Enterline, grand daughter of Mrs. Gall, and Frank Suiter.
In 1886 during the first Cleveland administration, Mr. Gall was appointed postmaster of Sinking Spring and moved with his family from his farm near Carmel to Sinking Spring. along with the post office he put i a small stock of general merchandise. Being pleasant, obliging and courteous and always dealing honestly and fairly with his customers his business grew rapidly until he had one of the largest and most complete stocks of general merchandise of any store in the county. Mr. Gall was a public spirited man and took a keen interest in all community affairs. He was so highly respected that he was elected to village and township offices and served the public faithfully and well as a public office. When Mr. Gall died in 1913 his brother-in-law, Frank M. Suiter assumed management of the store and continued until his death in 1933. After the death of Mr. Suiter, Mrs. Gall continued the store but because of her advanced years, she is 87 decided to discontinue the store.
OBITUARY....March 9, 1843--Jan. 31, 1913, between these dates is the earth life of John N. Gall, 60 years, 10 months and 22 days. He was the second son of Isaac and Sarah Gall and was born near Belfast, Ohio. But two of the family remain, William M., of New Market, and Sarah Gall Satterfield of Belfast, the parents and younger brother, George H. having preceded him. He spent his youth on his father's farm. Beginning at the age of 19, he successfully taught for many years in the public schools of this county, and then traveled extensively selling fruit trees generally in the south and southwest. After several years on the farm again, farming in summer and teaching in the winter, he came to Sinking Spring having been appointed postmaster under the first Cleveland administration. This was nearly 27 years ago. In connection with the duties of the post office, he began to handle a few articles of merchandise. The start was very meager indeed, but from this little beginning, by close applicating, fair dealing and kindness he had built up a business that possibly has not been equaled, surely not excelled, to the recent history of the village. He was absolutely honest, kindness personified, had a pleasant word and smile for everyone.
John Gall is a household name all through this country for miles around. The child could be sent to "Gall's store" without any fear that it would not receive the same careful, honest treatment as though the parent were with it. He was implicitly trusted. Those who had checks or spare money that they did not want to keep about the house, had no fear to leave in his keeping. As much as $1,000 by one person has been left in his care with nothing to show for the deposit but a credit on the book. He was universally loved and respected by the traveling men. to them he was "Uncle John:"
Religiously he was a liberal, holding the large hope, although his membership remained with the C.U. Church at Pleasant where he joined at its organization in young manhood. He was a church attendant until hindered by affliction, and contributed to the support of churches at different places. After all, how are we to estimate the value of one, who having lived has passed on. "What he to us hath been hath left henceforth its seal and sign en graven deep within." In valuing a life we must do so by estimating his contribution to the world. Every one occupies by another. Our influence is for good or for bad. I venture to say that one may start on the back tract of this life that has just been finished and there cannot be found a soul who could say that life had touched his for evil. along the path there can be found no wrecks that can be charged to him. After all it is not the church life nor the Christian life but the Christ life that counts the most. The Christ life is a life of service. He who serves man best serves God best. The master went about doing good. Mr. Gall was of a forgiving spirit was kind to the poor, indulgent in many instance to his own hurt. there is no claim that this life was faultless. There were some that are incident to us all, but they were not of the kind to promote evil. I have no doubt but that the Master has said, "Well done. Enter."
On May 19, 1869, he was joined marriage with Nancy Jane Washburn. This union was blessed with two daughters, Mrs. Melva M. Patton, sweet, beautiful in character, passed on before and waited on the other side 12 years for father to come, and Mrs. Minni McClure, of sinking Spring. Of these 43 years and 7 months of married life we cannot write. Suffice it to say that they were years of happiness, save for the awful blow that came with the removal by the hand of death of the first born. He was a model husband, a loving and indulgent father. He provided bountifully for his home.
Mr. Gall became a victim to the disease, diabetes etes, about seven years ago. Slowly but surely it brought him nearer and nearer to the end. During the past year his strength had been failing more rapidly. about the middle of January an attack of grip increased the weakness and hastened his departure. During his long illness he suffered very little pain complaining only of weakness and attended to his usual duties in the store until within a few days of his death which occurred on Friday morning, January 31, in the presence of his family and a few watchers.
The weary wheels had stopped and he was not, for god had taken him. There remains to mourn their loss a stricken wife, one daughter, three grand-children, one brother, one sister, many relatives and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. The funeral services were conducted in the Sinking Spring M.E. Church by Rev. J. H. Davis, life-long friend, in the presence of a large congregation. The interment was made in the Sinking Spring cemetery.
Good night brother, we will meet in the morning.--A.D. Maddox.
Those attending the funeral of Mr. Gall from a distance were Rev. A.D. Maddox, of Cincinnati, John F. Maddox, of Georgetown, E. L. Hundley and wife, of Ft. Thomas, Ky., John and Beatrice Patton, of St. Joseph, Mo., and Frank S. Baskin, of Cleveland Ohio.
|
|
