LEATHERMAN, Regina Ann
Source: Greencastle Banner and Times 16
Oct 1896 p 6
Reggie Leatherman died Wednesday evening
at the residence of Mrs. Jeanette Preston Layne, where Mrs. Leatherman and her
daughter had rooms. Death was caused by an attack of acute rheumatism of the
heart which had existed only about two weeks. She had been troubled for two
years with a milder form of the same disease. Dr. Leatherman was summoned
immediately from Atlanta, GA and is expected to arrive this afternoon or
tonight. The death is a particularly sad one and the family have the sympathy
of the community in their bereavement. Reggie was a bright little girl of 11
years and possessed a sunny disposition that made her a general favorite among
her playmates and friends. The funeral will occur this afternoon at 3 o’clock,
services at College Avenue Church, conducted by Drs. Hollingsworth and Gobin.
Source: Greencastle Banner and Times, 20
Nov 1896 p 8
Anna Regina Leatherman, daughter of Dr.
JR and Lucy Leatherman was born in Manhattan Indiana July 29, 1885 died in
Greencastle, Oct 13, 1898. Eleven years for her lifetime, then her work was
done, her mission accomplished, and Reggie left us for a better clime; how
beautifully her short life rounded out and how earnestly and untiringly she
pursued way, full of kindness, tender sympathy and cheer. To us who knew her best and even more
intimately associated with her in the home circle, she has left a benediction
of sweet memories, suggesting only the pure and unsullied faith and devotion of
a happy guileless childhood. The fragrance of her good deeds, loving words and
unselfish acts, suggestive of her favorite flower in their purity and modesty,
“the lily of the valley.” It can be said of her, she walked with God, for the
faith and confidence in His loving kindness was most remarkable and the lessons
taught and comfort brought by the earnest breathings of a simple, confident,
childlike prayer, as she reverently made her request known, can never be
forgotten. So near and dear she was she to us in the sweet association of
child-friend in our home, that we are loth to believe she has left us, her
memory is so comforting her presence seems real. Dear Reggie, how fondly she
loved papa, mamma and friends, how full of sympathy for the afflicted or needy,
how devoted to schoolmates, Sunday School and League. The beautiful lessons you
taught us shall not be forgotten, the seed sown by your baby hands shall bring
forth much fruit, meet for the kingdom. We can only extend our loving and
sincere sympathies to papa, mamma and friends, in your absence, but cannot
grieve, for He who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid
them not,” doeth all things well and we know you are “safe at home,” safe from
all worries and cares, free from all aches and pains and are one of Christ’s
jewels. His loved and His own and are sure you have reached that summer land.”
We with the Sunday school class and teachers of 1st ward, offer this
chaplet of memories in loving remembrance of your short but useful life.
Resolutions from Sunday School: In memory
of our dear departed one, Reggie Leatherman, we write these few lines for the
Sunday school. We miss her from our class. Her bright sweet face we see no more
but she lives in our memory. As we take our places we realize that one has
already gone from us to abide with Jesus. We were anxious during her illness.
No sooner would we reach the class than the girls were telling me of Regie’s
condition. We were grieved to hear the worst, but feel that our loss was
heaven’s gain. As a Sunday School our hearts ache with sympathy for the
bereaved parents. But, dear parents, But, dear parents, and members of the
Sunday School, there is real joy in knowng that if we are faithful to our
blessed Redeemer that we shall meet her bye & bye where life will be all
joy and sunshine. “Leaves have their time to fall; Flowers fade at the north
wind’s breath, but thou has all seasons for thine own, O Death.” … Ettie E. Fraley
Resolutions from school
At six years of age, Reggie (as her
playmates loved to call her) began her school days at building No 1. Well do we remember her first morning at
school. Her always sweet, bright, happy
face was radiant that day for as she said, “I am going to school, now.” As a pupil, Regina was dutiful, considerate,
loving and trustworthy. As a friend of her schoolmates, Reggie was gentle,
amiable, affectionate, loyal, self-sacrificing and thoughtful. A conspicuous
trait in her deportment was cheerfulness at all times. She had always a bright smile and pleasant
word for every one; to rich and poor a loving, helpful hand was extended. Often
a great sufferer, but always cheerfully patient and uncomplaining. For the wee
ones, Reggie exercised the most thoughtful care, the little ones nestling up to
her with a love and trustfulness that was touching to see. We have today,
genuine sadness of heart as we realize our loss, but the sweet spirit has gone
back to God who gave it.
Resolutions from League
In memory of one of our Junior League
members. Regie Leatherman was a member of the Junior League of College Ave.
Church, having joined the League sometime before her death. She was always an active member, doing what
she was able to do, until her health failed. Early she gave her heart to the Lord
and joined the church last spring, with a number of the other children of the
League. She felt that she was truly one of Christ’s little ones and that all
was well. We think of her as we come
where she used to meet with us and all have loving thoughts of our absent
member, Regie though not absent in spirit. And we would say to her loved ones
who feel her loss, don’t grieve but rejoice in her joy; she is with the dear
Jesus of whom she loved to hear when on earth and we can seem to see her
gathered with His other little ones about Him, looking up into his blessed,
loving face; looking with a heart filled with joy and no pain, as she sings the
glad songs of praise to Him, for He it is who took her home. Let us think of her as gone on just a little
while before us and that we will see her again. “For the Lord God giveth them
light; Rev. xxii5. Yours in Christ,
Fannie Murphy, Supt. Junior League. - transcribed by kbz