Individual Details

Death

Kennedy, Abigail

Mrs. Abigail Kennedy, wife of John D. Kennedy, of Mercerville, O., departed this life November 14, 1894, aged 80 years. Her remains were interred at the M.E. burying ground, Swan Creek, Ohio.
In all the relations of life as a wife, step-mother, neighbor and friend, she was, in a high degree, an example to her sex--meriting and retaining the love, esteem and confidence of all who knew her. To know her was to love her. She was lovely in disposition and possessed in an eminent degree all those qualities of heart and mind, which made every one her friend.
She was not afraid to die and when the hour of her departure drew near, she passed away without a murmur, through the dark shadow of death into the bright world beyond. No more will the sound of thy loving voice cheer our aching hearts. Their is an empty void that cannot be filled.
When the heart is first wrung with grief for dear ones whom it has pleased God to remove from among us, death seems to be an enemy; but when the agonies of grief have melted away into the gentle tear of recollection, there is something grand and consoling in the idea of death. So, friends, let us bow in humble submission to the will of God, remembering that her spirit is only another link in that bright, golden chain, binding you closer to heaven. Knowing something of the remorse filling the heart of the aged and stricken companion who has been called upon to part with her who has been the sharer of all his pleasures and sorrows in this life. Yet, think, dear father, that you are to travel the remainder of this life's road, only without her presence; for as you pledged yourself "To love and cherish her until death do us part," likewise pledge yourself to love and cherish her memory until death do you again unite in that bright home above.
Thus lived and died this excellent woman. May the blessing of heaven rest upon her sorrowing relatives and friends and lead them to her godly life and holy conversation.
Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding
O'er the spoils that death has won,
We would, at this solemn meeting,
Calmly say--Thy will be done.
By thy hands the boon was given;
Thou hast taken but thine own;
Lord of earth and God of heaven,
Evermore--Thy will be done.

Gallipolis Journal
December 19, 1894
Transcribed by Henny Evans