Elizabeth Ann Phillips
1805-July 20, 1880
Niles Republican (Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, July 22, 1880, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
OBITUARY
It is sad to note the departure of those we love and esteem, although we may wish for it daily, knowing that death is the end of all things earthly here below. Mrs. Eliza Ann Phillips, widow of the late Rev. J.F. Phillips, was born at Middleborough, Mass., 1805. Mrs. Phillips showed traces of physical beauty when she came here some twenty-two years ago with her husband and three children. She was possessed of a very happy disposition, always cheery under the most trying afflictions. She was very domestic in her feelings, and lived almost exclusively in her home. To know her, was to find her there. She lived for her husband and family. She made but few acquaintances in Niles, but to these she clung with strong affection. The death of their son, William Phillips, while in the army, was a great grief to both father and mother, for him they looked for support in their declining years. Mr. Phillips died in 1866, and since that time Mrs. Phillips has made her home with Mrs. Henry Lardner, of this city. During her last illness, Mrs. Phillips suffered a great deal. She was unable to speak except with great difficulty, yet her mind was remarkably clear and active, disposing of all her earthly goods, to a degree that was remarkable. She did not incline to speak of herself at all, but true to her large and sympathetic heart, she thought only of her daughters, the little grandchildren, and the dear ones she was about to leave. Wishing to knew the state of her mind in regard to herself, her daughter said to her, “Mother, you fear nothing, do you!” “I fear not, I trust,” was her reply. Blessed words! For we are assured an abundant entrance shall be given in the heavenly home to all who say, “I trust.” One daughter, Mrs. Cary, of Chicago, is in Paris at present, but the news of her mother's death will not be unexpected, as she visited her mother just before sailing.
“When storms of sorrow round us sweep,
And scenes of anguish make us weep--
To sad Gethsemane
We'll look, and see the Savior there
And humbly bow like Ilim in prayer.”
Niles Democrat (Berrien Co, MI), Saturday, July 24, 1880, page 3, col. 5, microfilm
IN MEMORIAM
Entered into her rest on Tuesday, July 20, 1880, Eliza., widow of the late Rev. Joseph F. Phillips, in the 76th year of her age.
During the twenty-two years she lived among us, she had been a favorite with young and old. Her perfect usefulness, her childlike innocence of evil, her bright intellect, her energy and activity, all combined to make her the best of mothers, and wives and friends. The great sorrows of her life came upon her here, and she bore them with the Christian heroism of a martyr. Her great sufferings at the final sickness were powerless to cause one murmur from her lips. She only said “I am so weary.” With a mind clear to the last, she made her final arrangement s for her burial and funeral services, and the lily in her hand seems a fitting emblem of her lively life.
“Gone home! Gone home! she lingers here no longer
A restless pilgrim, walking painfully;
With homesick longing, daily growing stronger,
And yearning visions of the joys to be
Gone home! Gone home! Her earnest, active spirit,
Her very playfulness, her heart of love!
The heavenly mansion now she doth inherit,
Which Christ made ready ere she went above”
H.C.S.