|
a.
|
Note: L8.27.1881 Death of Miss Mary Hodgson Particulars as told by an Ocean Grove Paper When Mrs. Hodgson, widow of the late eminent Francis Hodgson, D. D., with her two daughters, Mary and Emma, left their pleasant home early in the season to spend a happy summer at the sea-shore, they all anticipated a return in renewed health; but last Wednesday afternoon's train carried them back to Philadelphia-mother and Emma stricken with sorrow, and Mary in her casket for burial. They tented on Broadway, near Beach Avenue, and were as happy as the thousands similarly situated. The days passed in sweet fellowship with friends and among the brightest and most cheerful of all who gathered on the beach at bathing time or in the assemblies for worship was Mary Hodgson. On last Monday she spent some time in the surf-was there too long, it is supposed, chatting with a large number of her acquaintances. At dinner there was no complaint or sign of illness. At three to four o'clock in the afternoon she was cheerful amid the novel surroundings of the little family home. She then lay down, and was found soon after unwell. Her mother gave her a word of caution to rest awhile, and then, without speaking a word to anyone, she fell into unconsciousness, and by 6 p.m. to the unspeakable surprise and grief of her mother, sister and some friends hastily summoned, she ceased to breathe, and it was not difficult when Dr. Tantum reached her side, for a man of his scientific attainments to determine the cause. It was inflammation of the brain. The news spread like lightning. Prayer was offered at the Auditorium evening service for the afflicted mother and family and friends at a distance were notified by telegraph. On Wednesday, at noon, funeral services were conducted in St. Paul's M.E. Church in which Rev. James Morrow, Dr. I.T. Cooper, Dr. Stokes, Rev. Joseph Welch, Rev. A.E. Ballard, A. Wallace and others participated, a number of the Philadelphia ministers, and a large congregation of sorrowing friends being present. The remains were then conveyed to West Philadelphia and thence to Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Rev. J.B. McCullough and others attending the interment, where all that was mortal of the beloved Mary were laid amid the family group, whom the great reaper, Death, has gathered in, recently, among them her illustrious father, a brother and one or two sisters.
|