O'Connor - Nora
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, Feb 24, 1910
It is with sincere regret that the writer of this sketch is called up to chronicle the sad news of the death of Nora O'Connor, which occured at the home of her mother, Mrs. Mary O'Connor, residing 3 miles north of Browns Valley on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. February 18, 1910, aged 14 years 11 months. Her untimely death came as a great shock to her friends and school mates. Although aware of her declining health, we were not prepared for the death blow for she attended school at Old Hickory until about six weeks ago, when her mother and teacher deemed it advisable for her to remain at home for a brief time at least. And less than two weeks before she passed away she walked out to the road as the school wagon was passing by and shook hands with each school mate and the driver and bad them "Goodbye." She is spoken of by her teach as a most diligent and obedient pupil and would have graduated common school work this spring. But her place at school is vacant now; and she will be sadly missed by both teach and school mates. It is sad for one to die so young and leave her work which she had begun with such bright prospects so nobly to perform to other hands. She was a victim of tuberculosis but the main cause of her death was due to pneumonia, which developed last Wednesday and which increased with rapidity. She was unconscious at time and was confined to her bed only since Thursday. She realized that death wa snear but said not to tell mamma for it would grieve her so. She then called her and said, "Mamma, kiss me now kiss me again." She also asked her sisters to kiss her and kneel beside her couch and for fully a half hour before her pure spirit took its flight it was indeed manifest that her soul was overflowing with joy and happiness. As she sand and prayed, although her words were not distinct, her smiles gave evidence of the joy she experienced and happiness shone from her beautiful eyes and many comforting thoughts upon death came to my mind in connection with Nora going just beyond for death loves a shining mark, which is true of her, for we think of the Gardner plucking the fairest flower for the Master; so it was with Nora. A treasure has been taken from the home which nothing can restore she being the youngest daughter and pride and joy of the home. Her every wish was granted and how much she will be missed tongue cannot tell; but we will still cherish an unfailing love for this tender flower until we meet in that life where farewell is never spoken. A mother, six brothers and five sisters are left to mourn the loss of their loved one. The sorrowing family have the heartfelt sympathy of all their friends in their sad bereavement. The funeral occurred on Tuesday morning at the Catholic Church in crawfordsville of which the deceased was a devoted member. All that was mortal of little Nora was robed in white silk and inclosed in a snow white casket, which was covered with beautiful carnations and calla lilies, presented by her teacher and pupils, the HS at New Market at which her sisters are members are members. Her brothers, and Frank and Mary Herr. Her remains laid beside her father and two sisters, Mary and Bessie in Mt. Calvary cemetery. The burial was conducted by Albert Hankins of New Market. I wish to add in connection with the times that I have written that they are not exaggerated in the least. Neither is it hearsay for the scribe was an eyewitness to this happy and beautiful death. Gone was the life sustaining breath . but, oh! How beautiful was death. Mortality had passed away And there a sleeping angel lay. The mother, brothers and sisters wish to return their sincere thanks to their friends and neighbors for their assistance and presence during the trying ordeal through which they have recently passed. Mrs. Nannie Rogers. -- kbz