Death Notes

Mrs. J. N. Hettinger

Once more the angel of death has visited our midst and taken there from one of our most highly respected ladies, Mrs. J. N. Hettinger, who died in Omaha, at the home of her brother, Wm. McCoy, on Tuesday, June 2, 1897, at 11:52, of heard disease, sudden death being from the bursting of a blood vessel.

Lillie McCoy was born in Ingraham Township, Mills County, in 1862.  She married to J. N. , June 17, 1883, at the age of twenty-one years, and has always lived in and around Silver City, up to last September, when in company with her husband, they departed for Hot Springs, South, Dakota, for the benefit of her health, where they remained seven months.  A short time after going to Hot Springs, Mrs. Hettinger's health seemed to improve, but only for a short time, then she seemed to be going backward, and they returned to Omaha, about four weeks ago, where she remained until death relieved her sufferings on June 1.  Four children were born to them, three of whom are now living, one being called to the Great Father of all, about two years ago, the ages of those living are eight, ten, and thirteen, the oldest boy being thirteen and his birthday was on the same day his mother was buried, and was indeed a sorrowful one to the little fellow.

Through dark and cold are the clouds of grief that settle in gloom around the hearts of husband and children, father, mother, sisters and brothers, as they set in this broken family circle or vainly listen for her loving voice, yet from beyond the darkness and the gloom comes kindred voices to soothe the waiting hearts until the mystery of death shall be unfolded to them. 

Whether in childhoods happy hours, in youth's bright days, manhood's vigor or declining years, the mandate comes, we must obey, and then - and only then -  can we ever know the hidden treasures of the great beyond.

The funeral services were held in Silver City, at the M. E. church, Rev. Sinns officiating, assisted by Rev. Wells, on Thursday, June 3, and the remains were laid to their last resting place, in the Silver City cemetery, followed by a large concourse or sorrowing friends and relatives.

May the bright hope of reunion and recognition of the loved one taken from our presence, soften and subdue the grief that death has caused while we await its fruition.


Note:  The Mills County, Iowa marriage records indicate that Frances Butts was her mother.  However, I  believe that Lucinda Wakins was her birth mother since Casper did not marry Frances until 1877.