Patterson, Clara A. (Mrs. Frank M.) 1848-1908

PATTERSON, MCUMBER, POWERS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Hawarden Independent (9-17-1908)

Born: March 15, 1848
Died: September 15, 1908

GOOD WOMAN CALLED--MRS. PATTERSON ANSWERS HER REDEEMER--AFTER A LINGERING ILLNESS--BORNE WITH FORTITUDE, SHE IS RELIEVED OF HER SUFFERING

Clara Antoinette McUmber was born in Western New York, March 15, 1848. When a child, she moved to Michigan with her parents, Simeon and Chloe (Powers) McUmber and soon after to Wisconsin, where she grew to womanhood. She was married to Frank M. Patterson at Platteville, Wisconsin, October 18, 1869. In 1874 they came to Dakota and settled on a homestead five miles from Hawarden where they lived until they moved to Calliope, 24 years ago. She died at this home September 15, 1908, making her 60 years and 6 months. No one could look at her quiet repose and think she had borne the burden of life for over 60 years.

To this union was born seven children--two, a daughter and son having died in early childhood. Her husband died April 28, 1908, after a sickness of five and one half years; a year and one-half of this time confined to his bed helpless. At the same time Mrs. Patterson’s father was sick at her home for a long time and was bedfast five months. There never was a wife and mother more tender in her care, more devoted to her loved ones than she. It was with rare patience and fortitude that she administered to them.

Five daughters remain to mourn the loss of one of the best of mothers. They are Mrs. Effie Lawrence of Oregon; Mrs. Carrie Protheroe of Eldora, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Green of Hawarden and Flora and Rose who are still at home. Besides the daughters she leaves two brothers and several cousins and other relatives dear to her. Mrs. Mills, nearer than a cousin, has been to her a sister and ever by her side in sickness and trouble. These five daughters have been a blessing to her and have given to her the same tender, loving care and protection that she gave to others. We have never known daughters to be more devoted and thoughtful to their mother in health and sickness. Mrs. Patterson was taken with a disease four years ago that was conquered only in death and it is with a sad heart that we offer a few words of tribute to the memory of our neighbor and friend.

When she moved to Calliope she united with the Presbyterian Church, after its removal became a member of the Congregational Church, where she has continued until her death. Her every day life was a living example of the faith she professed. She lived a life of sacrifice, devotion and usefullness, ever honest, kind and conscientious. Her heart was full of love for her family, regard for her neighbors and trust in God. Ever in her suffering she was so patient, so courteous, so thoughtful--her last rational regret was “O, I am so sorry to go and leave you girls”--ever thoughtful of others. We all know the story of her suffering and trust her noble life will be an inspiration to all, for there must have been joy among the angels when her spirit took its flight and we thank the blessed Father that she is free from pain and care. And Heaven seems so much nearer now we know that she is there.

Funeral services were conducted at the Patterson home Thursday morning by Reverend Houghton, pastor of the M. E. Church. The Eastern Star and Masonic orders assisted in the obsequies. The floral tributes of these orders and friends were very beautiful.