W. S. Enlow 1853-1898

ENLOW, MATTISON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 8/16/2018 at 08:19:56

1 December 1898 - West Branch Times

The announcement of the death of W. S. Enlow which reached this town early Tuesday morning, was indeed a shock of sadness to all. His illness of only two or three days was not known beyond his physician and a few near neighbors, and by them he was not thought to be in immediate danger, his ailment being a cold on the lungs, until complications set in. About 8 o'clock Monday evening he grew suddenly worse, delirium set in and he passed away near midnight.

He leaves a grief stricken wife, mother and one sister to mourn the loss of a loving companion, a dutiful son and an affectionate brother, all of whom have the deep sympathy of the entire community.

He was a remarkably peaceful man, kind and neighborly to all, a loyal Christian and a pillar in the church of his choice, where he will be greatly missed.

The funeral was held in the M.E. church at Oasis today at 11 a.m. The interment at West Branch cemetery.

15 December 1898 - West Branch Times

By request we copy the following from the Epworth Leaguer, in addition to what has already appeared in this paper:

W. S. Enlow, son of Samuel and Huldah Enlow, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 22, 1853, and died at home near Oasis, on Tuesday morning November 20, 1898.

He came to Iowa with his parents when a young boy and has always lived in Cedar county, Iowa, where he won many kind and loving friends. In 1880 he married Miss Anna Mattison, who for eighteen years has shared all his joys in the home where he died. She has been a loving and faithful wife who has made the home bright and cheerful.

Mr. Enlow never enjoyed the best of health, and ten years ago accompanied by his wife, took a trip to California in search of better health. After a year's stay they found he could not recover and again returned to their Oasis home. From that time on his health seemed to improve until a few days before his death when he was taken suddenly ill with a cold on the lungs. His physician was at the bedside when he passed away. Nothing could be done more than was done and all felt that his course was finished.

He was a devoted Christian and a member of the M.E. church, being a trustee, steward, and secretary of the Epworth League. For ten years he was Sunday school superintendent and a great favorite of the children who loved him as a father who took the greatest interest in them. As a trustee he was faithful always looking after the interest of the church and standing firm for what he believed to be right. As an Epworth Leaguer he could be relied upon in any case and proved himself an excellent leader in the devotional meetings.

During the past four years he has been a member of the Wapsinonoc lodge, No. 881, of the Masonic order at West Branch where he was in good standing and leading officer. The Woodmen, of Oasis also enjoyed his presence at their Camp, of which he was a member.

None knew him but to love him, none named him but to praise. And the example of his upright life will live forever in our hearts, and his presence will be missed; yet we must say our loss is his gain, and surely he lived not in vain.

The funeral was held on Thursday, at 10:30 a.m., a short service was held at the house by his pastor, after which he was carried to the Oasis church where the services were held.

The interment was at West Branch, and at the cemetery impressive ceremonies were conducted by the Masons and concluded by the Ritual service conducted by Rev. Bartle, and prayer by Rev. Hadley. The Masons and Woodmen attended in a body. The pall bearers were Harry Gaymon, E. C. Graham, V. D. Bumgardner, from the Woodmen, and L. C. Green, John Cookson and C. H. Wickersham from the Masons.

The floral offerings were beautiful tokens of love and friendship. The extremely large attendance at the church and cemetery indicated the depth of love and sympathy felt in this community for the dear departed and his bereaved family. He leaves a wife, mother and sister to mourn his loss.

In his death his bereaved wife has lost a kind, devoted and loving husband, the mother, a dear son; the sister, a beloved brother; the church, a faithful and devoted Christian; the community, a good grand and noble citizen.