Josie Northington Westmoreland

A Sad Death

Our little city was shrouded in a gloom of sadness when the news reached here last Sunday of the death of Mrs. Reid T. Westmoreland, nee Miss Josie Northington, which occurred at her home in Eagle Lake that day. Mrs. Westmoreland was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G.H. Northington of Egypt, and was one of Wharton county's most amiable young women, possessed of many noble traits of heart and mind that caused her to be loved by all who knew her.

Mortuary

At her home in Eagle Lake on Saturday afternoon, the 5th inst., Mrs. Reid Westmoreland, (nee Josie Northington,) after a protracted suffering from a complication of diseases, passed from the presence of loved ones here to the shores of eternity. it is but a few months since this popular young lady was made a happy bride, and her hosts of friends are grieved sorely at her untimely death, though for several days before her end come they had been advised that there was no hopes. Early last week a runner came post haste for Dr. Bat Smith, calling him to attend her, and all that loving friends and medical skill could do was done to prolong the young life but to no avail.

Deceased was a daughter of Mr. George Northington, one of Wharton county's most esteemed citizens, who resides in Egypt, and her remains were laid to rest near the old home Sunday afternoon.

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Reid T. Westmoreland departed this life Saturday night, March 5, 1898 at the age of 20 years and 5 days. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Northington and was married about three months ago to Mr. Reid T. Westmoreland, of this city.

There are some characters so delicate and beautiful in texture that it is very difficult to describe them adequately and justly. We attempt only a loving testimonial to this beautiful flower, grown on the banks of the Colorado and cut down in the early bloom of life.

The sad death of this young wife has filled the hearts of all who knew her with sorrow so deep, grief so poignant that it's echoing throbs will cease only when all shall meet again on the other shore, and the veil of mystery is lifted from human eyes.

Reared by an indulgent father and a loving mother in a beautiful home, where prairie flowers grew about her feet, and moss-covered oaks shaded her from the burning sun, she grew up a child of nature, gentle, generous, kind and courteous, faithful and conscientious in all her duties. All our hearts swell in eulogy to this devoted daughter and wife.

Her mind was well cultivated and her heart deeply impressed by the religious training of her Christian mother, and although church privileges were not often accessible, her life and conduct was pious and devout - kind and charitable to the black people not less than to the white.

And while sadly feeling the loss we have sustained, and our hearts as sad with the tender recollections of the gentle spirit now departed, that has passed before us to the life of paradise, we extend out heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents and disconsolate husband, praying that the God of all consolation may sustain them in this hour of sorrow.

In Memory of Mrs. Reid T. Westmoreland of Eagle Lake.

"She has folded her hands, for her lifework is done." Those tender, patient,loving and devoted hands! With what joyful alacrity did her noble heart respond to the pangs of sorrow, the cry of pain and every phase of suffering.

Life to her was one long labor of love. Oh, what a void is felt in many a mourning heart since this heart of wondrous sympathy has ceased to beat! Alas, whither shall we turn to find her equal? We shall miss the sweetly loving touch, and the tender smile which was never withheld. Yes, we shall the loving and beloved. From our very midst a soul has flown to spirit land; a soul whose every attribute was noble, lofty and pure - ever alert to accomplish good.

We yield her in stern necessity to the reaper, Death, while we follow in the upward path she trod, and as the gates of heaven open, we hear the rapturous words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord," Bereaved husband, mother, father, mourning friends and relatives, arise in your grief, emulate her beautiful example, tread the path she trod, live to bless the world as she blessed and win the meed she won.

Few can realize more truly than the writer the irreparable loss we all sustain, and as I think of the young life gone out, the memory of her many acts of beneficences, good will and sympathy rise before me like fragrant incense from the urn of life.

Dear departed soul, grateful hearts reach after thee with longing arms and yearning hopes to grasp thy myriad virtues, bearing rich incense to thy heavenly home. Rest, beloved friend, rest! That heart which loving pulses thrilled, responsive to the cry of woe, its yearnings hushed, its beatings stilled, rest, thou sweet soul, rest.

Lola Vaughn

Wharton, Texas

This obituary from a copy of the one appearing in various Wharton County Newspapers. Copy donated by George H. "Bud" Northington IV, to Wharton County Historical Museum. Transcribed by Janet Barrett Hobizal.

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