Thomas - Rachel Barkhurst - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 1 November 1895

Mrs. O.D. Thomas of Linden, died at the Indianapolis sanitarium last Thursday at 6 o'clock as the result of a surgical operation. The remains were shipped to Linden Friday and the funeral was held Saturday, conducted by Rev. Shanklin. Interment at Linden cemetery. Linden- The largest funeral we have had here for some time took place at the M.E. church on last Sunday and was that of Mrs. Rachael Thomas who died on the Thursday before at Indianapolis. -s

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 8 November 1895

Rachel A. Barkhurst was born in Benton county, Indiana, on the 27th day of May, 1851. Her mother died when she was but five years of age, when she went to live with her aunt, Rachel Swift. After her father married the second time she was taken home again and at the age of sixteen she with her parents, removed to Darlington, Ind., and was married to Oscar D. Thomas on Nov. 4, 186S, at the age of eighteen.years. Soon after her marriage she with her husband moved to Linden, where she resided until her death. She united with the M. E church in 1873, and was soundly converted to God on her way home from meeting. She was the mother of six children, two of whom, a girl and a boy, died each in infancy. Four children, Myrtle J., Eva P., Orin C. and Guy E. with the husband father remain, to mourn her loss. She leaves one brother, Calvin D. Barkhurst, of Kansas, and one sister, Sarah J. Richardson, of Indianapolis. While she was not of a demonstrative disposition in church work and religious experience, yet all who knew her intimately can bear testimony to her piety of heart and true godliness of life which speaks louder than words or mere profession. She was a devoted wife and a loving and indulgent mother, ever patient and kind in her family and of the broadest charity for the faults of others. She was a most obliging neighbour, and generous toward the needy. Never did anyone go away from her door hungry, and truly it may be said that she was a friend to all and all were her friends. For years she has been a great sufferer. All that kinds friends and loving hearts could do to make her comfortable was most cheerfully rendered all that medical skill in administering remedies could do to effect a cure was given, but in vain, and the last and only resort left was a surgical operation, which was skilfully and successfully performed, and but for other complications which set in she would soon have been able to return to her home and friends. She died in Indianapolis on Oct. 24, 1895, aged 44 years, four months and 27 days. She fully realized the possibilities that might result in her case, but was calm, resigned and courageous, saying she was not afraid to die. She talked as calmly and deliberately about the operation as she would about any ordinary affair of every day life, and met it all with perfect composure. She has gone from us, but the gentle, cheerful, sunny life she lived has made its impress upon all who knew her, and will leave sweet memories with those who still survive. May her noble and exemplary life inspire all to kindly deeds and tender ministrations to the needy and sufferings with whom we meet along the way of life. - thanks to Kim H

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 1 November 1895

 

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