| Notes |
- A copy of a letter from Mary Turner to Arthur H. Bassett of Tacoma, Washington dated 1925 is available, listing all the birth dates of the parents and children included herein.
MRS. RUTH SHEPHERD
Mrs. Ruth Shepherd, wife of William H. Shepherd, died Thursday
morning, December 7th at the family residence, after a week's illness, aged
seventy-four years, three months and one day. Born September 6th, 1837, at
Shelbyville, Indiana, and was the second daughter of Bernard and Hannah
Bassett. In the family home were eleven children, six sons and five daughters,
who, with their father and mother, came to Illinois in 1847, and settled in
Adams county, near Mendon. In this pioneer home Ruth spent her girlhood and at
the age of sixteen united with the Christian church and all her life was a
loving and devoted worker for the faith which was so precious to her. She was
married to William Harrison Shepherd, September 29th, 1859 and was a faithful
wife to him during her life time.
Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd removed to Hancock county and finally located in
Wythe township which was their home until their removal to Hamilton abo
sixteen years ago.
As the years passed by their home was made complete by the birth of
six sons and five daughters all of whom are living. Mrs. Shepherd was an ideal
home maker. Her interests and affections were there and her home and church
duties occupied her life.
One by one as the children grew to manhood and womanhood they married
and made homes of their own. But the mother heart still cared for them and
they made loving pilgrimages to the old home as often as possibl
The members of the family able to be present at the funeral were, Mrs.
Sterling Beedle, of Ladonia, Missouri; Mrs. W.K. Howes, of Mt. Hamill, Iowa;
Mrs. Henry Harrison, of Hamilton; Messrs. Ed and Robert Shepherd of Houston,
Texas; Ogden Shepherd, of Centralia, Missouri; John Shepherd, of Vandalia,
Illinois, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shepherd and family of Burlington, Iowa.
Three children were unable to be present on account of the long
distance. They were Mrs. Mary Turner, Heppner, Oregon; J.W. Shepherd, of
Tulare, California, and Mrs. Orlando White of Palisade, Colorad
Mrs. Shepherd leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband and eleven
children, thirty-three grandchildren, two brothers and three sisters who live
in the west.
The services were held Friday afternoon from the Christian church in
which she has been a loyal member for many years.
A choir composed of Mrs. Hurley Moore, Miss Jessie Greer, W.H.
Harkrader and J.R. Miller with Miss Nellie Greer of Carthage as accompanist,
sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Asleep in Jesus." Miss Jessie Greer
sang "The City Four Square".
The sweetest and tenderest words at my command cannot express my
sympathy for these bereaved friends and the gratitude of my heart for t
influence of the beautiful life of this deceased friend. A character known and
loved for her good works and gracious ministrations. She could truly have said
with Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing."
Tribute to Motherhood:-She who becomes the mother of noble sons and
daughters pays the world the greatest royalty for her opportunity to live.
Surely, this woman has richly blessed the world by giving to it through love
and sacrifice eleven noble children who love and cherish her memory. Her name
shall ever be revered as mother.
A Faithful Wife:-She was a tender, affectionate wife, ever faithful to
her conjugal vows. For years she ministered tenderly to the needs of her
companion and the sweet relationship between husband and wife, broken only by
death, was beautiful to behold.
Surely, hers was a ripened life like unto a shock of corn. Coming down
to a ripe old age with Christian deeds as the fruit of her efforts. An example
of childlike faith and complete obedience to the entire community. She was
ready to go. "She finished her course and kept the faith."
At the close of the service the casket heaped with beautiful flowers
was removed to Oakwood cemetery, Messrs. J.P. Guthrie, J.H. Berry, D.L.
Conklin, W. Kiser, M. Champeua and Samuel Howes, acting as pall bearer
Among the friends and relatives attending the funeral from surrounding
towns were Mrs. Celia McNay of Quincy, Mrs. George Groves, of Ursa, Mr. and
Mrs. Alonzo Shepherd, Marcelline and Mr. George Smith and mother of Keokuk.
We cannot think of her idle, She must be a home maker stil
God giveth that work to the angels, Who best the task fulfil
And some where yet in the hill tops, Of the country that hath no pain,
She will watch in the beautiful doorway, To bid us all welcome again.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1837 - 1911 (74 years)