Emily Ward Reid, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Emily Ward Reid
Death of Mrs. Emily Ward Skinner.
Died, in Valparaiso, Ind., on the 18th of December, 1885, Mrs. Emily Ward Skinner, mother of Hon. DeForest L. Skinner, aged 79 years, 8 months and 21 days.
Mrs. Emily Ward Skinner, daughter of Elkanah and Patty Reid, was born in Townshend, Windham county, Vermont, March 27th, 1806, and died in Valparaiso, Indiana, December 18th, 1885, aged 79 years, 8 months and 21 days. She was married to John R. Skinner June 20th, 1830. To them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom are still living. After her marriage, her home was in Hardwick, Vermont, where her husband attained distinction in his chosen profession of law. In the fall of 1846 the family moved to Valparaiso, and here in 1849 her husband died. For a number of years, her home has been with her son, DeForest L. Skinner. On her mother's side, she was a descendant of an ancient and highly honored English family, of the name of Rawson. The Rawson family "coat of arms" has been on record at the Herald's College, or College of Arms, in England, for several hundred years. The first of the name who came to this country was Edward Rawson, of whom we have an account as early as 1636. At a meeting of the Commissioners of the United Colonies at New Haven in September, 1651, he was chosen Steward and Agent, for receiving and disposing such goods and commoditiesas should be sent to this country by the Corporation of England for the propagation of the Gospel among the Indians in New England. Another one of the family, James Rawson, A. M. M. D., and also a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, came to this country from England in 1832. In the Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men of Indiana, in the sketch of the life of her son, our fellow townsman, Hon. DeForest L. Skinner, the writer says of her: "She was the second daughter of Elkanah Reid, and grand-daughter of Edward Rawson, who emigrated to New England in 1636, where he soon became officially prominent in the councils of Massachusetts Bay, filling many positions of profit and trust at the call of the people. Mrs. Skinner is a lady of marked ability and acquirements. Her intellectual and moral superiority make her respected and influential. She is warm hearted and benevolent, of generous sympathies and strong attachments. She reads much, observes carefully, and is well informed on the public questions of the day, as well as in general literature. She is a clear and ready writer, and is especially brilliant in conversation."
Her religious life began in her early youth. She has been an honored and efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal church of this place during nearly the forty years of her residence among us. During all these years, her religious life has been a benediction to all who have been associated with her. While she loved her church, and was warmly attached to her own people, yet she was possessed of a broad, generous, catholic spirit, that embraced christians of every name. Her piety was not of the demonstrative type, but she was ever true and reliable. In all the relations of life she proved a true and noble woman, adorning and honoring every station she was called to fill. For a number of years she took a deep interest in the missionary work of the church. In this she manifested the spirit of the Master, whose sympathies and love are world-wide in their sweep. The value of such a mother's example and influence is far above rubies. Fortunate, indeed, the family who have such a heritage. For several years past she has been an invalid; for the most of the time confined to her room. This was a great privation to her, especially that she was denied the privileges of the sanctuary. She often referred to this, but bore it with patient resignation, and steadily looked forward to the time when she should be released from bodily infirmities, and with the pure worshipers, meet in the upper and better Sanctuary. And in this, doubtless, she has not been disappointed. Her faith pointed to a bright and happy home, free from all the care and sorrow of the earthly life. Her ears were attuned to catch the melody of the skies. The language of their heart, whle bodily strength was failing, doubtless was:
"Let me go where Saints are going,
To the mansions of the blest;
Let me go where my Redeemer
Has prepared his people's rest.
I would gain the realms of brightness,
Where they dwell forevermore;
I would join the friends that await me,
Over on the other shore.
Let me go; 'tis Jesus calls me;
Let me gain the realms of day;
Bear me over, angel pinions;
Longs my soul to be away.
Let me go where none are weary --
Where is raised no wail of woe;
Let me go and bathe my spirit.
In the raptures angels know.
Let me go, for bliss eternal,
Lures my soul away, away;
And the victor's song triumphant
Thrills my heartl I cannot stay.
Let me go where tears and sighing
Are forevermore unknown,
Where the joyous songs of glory
Call me to a happier home.
Let me go -- I'd cease this dying,
I would gain life's fairer plains,
Let me join the myriad harpers,
Let me chant their rapturous strains.
C. A. B.
Newspaper: Porter County Vidette
Date of Publication: December 24, 1885
Volume Number: 29
Issue Number: 52
Page: 8
Column(s): 3
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook