The grim messenger - death, comes where and when it will, plucks the fairest flowers of earth to transplant in a more beautiful world than this. The gathering home of the loved ones makes earthly homes sad, while heaven is made brighter.
Libbie Clayton was born August 21st, 1860, in Washington township, Green County. She united with the M. E. Church when young, and has lived a consistent Christian life. On November 29th, 1877, she was married to Jacob Baumgartner. Unto them were born five children, two of whom preceded their mother to the better land.
On Saturday, April 1st, Mrs. Baumgartner was taken sick with the measles, and on Sunday, an hour before the birth of her daughter, Nelle, she bade her husband and children good-bye. When the family and friends told her that she would recover, she answered, "no," and they said they would be so lonely when she was gone. On Thursday she grew worse, and from that time her friends were fearful of what the result would be. She expressed a willingness to die and sang two of her favorite hymns on Saturday. She rested easier for a short time on Sunday, then grew rapidly worse until death relieved her on Monday at four o'clock A. M., April 10th. It is sad indeed that so noble a woman could not be spared, but God knows best.
She was but thirty-eight years of age. It reminds us that "in the midst of life we are in death." She was a loving wife and mother, a friend to many motherless children. Her willing hands and cheerful disposition have often comforted the sick and cheered many sorrowing hearts. From her youth she was a favorite of old and young.
The funeral services were held at the church last Wednesday at one o'clock, the attendance being so large that many could not gain admittance.
Rev. McKay, of Madison, preached beautifully from First Thessalonians, IV, 13-14-18. Friends covered the casket with choice floral tributes. The remains were laid to rest by the side of her daughter Winnie.