Obit: Leason, Elmina (1842 - 1900)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: LEASON CALDWELL NASON

----Source: Clark County Republican Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 08/30/1900

Leason, Elmina (29 Oct 1842 - 24 Aug 1900)

Again has the grim specter cast its gloom over our city (Neillsville, Clark County), removing from a happy home its greatest comfort and one whose loss in the community is irreparable. Mrs. A.S. Leason passed away Friday morning about 7 o'clock. About two weeks before she died, she was overcome with the heat, losing consciousness for a time. She rallied later and hopes for her recovery were entertained, but the protracted hot weather was very unfavorable and despite all the care that love could bestow she gradually failed.

Mrs. Leason, whose maiden name was Elmina Caldwell, was born in the town of Cicero, Onondaga County, N.Y., Oct. 29, 1842. She came with her parents to Wisconsin when two or three years of age. Feb. 27, 1859, she was married at Newberg, Washington County, to Albion S. Leason. She leaves her husband, two sons, Ralph and Dr. W.A. Leason, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Letta Nason. Her aged father William Caldwell, who has been with her for the past few months, survives her, the only one of his family left.

No eulogy by feeble pen can fittingly describe the noble character of her, of whom this obituary is written. She was known and loved by all, and in sickness or despair she was ever ready to lend a helping hand, and many times has the touch of her hand soothed the fevered brow of the sufferer, tossing on a bed of pain. She always heard the cry of charity and to the needy gave bountifully, and there are many who have cause by reason of this to call her blessed. To meet her personally seemed to one as a bright spot in dreary humdrum of life. She was always bright and cheerful and her jolly laugh has more than once brought a smile to the face of despondency, which caused the step to quicken and the dark clouds obscuring the sky of hope to vanish. It is hard, indeed, to think that she whom all respected and revered is cold in death, that the familiar kindly face will be seen no more, yet we know she is enjoying that well earned rest born of a life work well done. To her husband and children, heart broken with the sense of their loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathy with that of the entire community. Their loss is ours and while the family circle has been severed, a vacant chair at the fireside which can never be refilled, yet even in the loss of one so near and dear, there is comfort in the thought that she is at rest and free from all pain and care.

The funeral was held Monday at the Unitarian Church, Rev. T. Grafton Owen officiating. The many friends who gathered to join in the last tribute and profusion of decorative blossoms bore testimony of esteem and love this community. (the rest of my copy was cut off)