The Fredericksburg News
March 30, 1911.
"Died at her home north of Fredericksburg Saturday evening, March
25, 1911, Mrs. J.D. Herrick.
"Della, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Richardson, was born at
Newville, Wisconsin, December 29, 1863. She
came with her parents to Fredericksburg Township, Chicasaw County, Iowa, in
1864. She was united in marriage to
John D. Herrick, July 5, 1885. Six
children came to bless this union, Mrs. Elizabeth Noon of Sumner, Ben, Harvey,
Harry, Dorothy and Lorimer all of whom survive except Harvey who died in
infancy, to mourn with the father the death of a devoted wife and an indulgent
and loving mother. In addition to those loved ones that constituted the family
circle she leaves her aged father, Mr. T.G. Richardson, of this place;
five sister - Mrs. Albert Anderson of Bremer county, Mrs. Chas. Anderson
of Waterloo, Mrs. L.K. Craine of Bremer county, Mrs. D.C. Parks of
Fredericksburg and Mrs. Earl Gates of New Hampton;
three brothers - Thomas Richardson of Kennebec, South Dakota, James of
Dunnebeck, South Dakota, and George of Fredericksburg.
"Before her
marriage Mrs. Herrick was a school teacher for several years in this county.
"She was a member
of the M.E. church having joined the church at Williamstown in 1884, and was
also a member of Mount Vernon Rebekah lodge.
"She ran the
journey of life in 47 years 2 months and 25 days. It is a pathway marked with deeds of kindness.
After a busy and useful life she died as she had lived-honored, trusted
and loved. She reared her own
monument while she lived in the hearts of all who knew her.
Her life was completed, if work well done constitutes completion.
Her christian life was beautiful from its beginning to its close, and
through all the vicissitudes and sorrows that she met in her way, her faith in
God never wavered. But she is gone
and soon the grass will be green and flowers grow upon the grave that hides from
our sight all that is mortal of a true and noble woman.
"Our little city
and its hospitable people ever held a warm corner in her heart.
It was in this township the best days of her life had been spent and when
the last hour came and the God of eternity called her to her everlasting rest,
it was her desire that beautiful Rose Hill, our silent city, on its sloping
hillside, surrounded by the beauty, happiness and contentment of our people,
where the flowers will bloom sweetest, and the birds will warble their most melodious
songs, should be the etenal abiding place of all that was mortal of her.
"Another link is broken
I the household hand
But a chain is forming
In a a better land."
"The funeral which
was held at her late home, Tuesday, March 28th, was attended by a large
concourse of her neighbors and friends, in fact it was one of the largest in
point of numbers ever held in the history of the township, and this large
gathering of people showed in a marked degree the high esteem in which this
noble woman was held in the community in which she had lived for so many years.
The services at the home were conducted by Rev. Martin, pastor of the M.E.
church assisted by Rev. Jones pastor of the Baptist church.
At the grave the beautiful ritualistic burial service of the Rebekah
lodge was rendered by her sisters of that order.
"The floral
offerings were numerous and most beautiful.
"These flowers, so typical of the life of her we mourn, mutely speak
of the pathos of a parting word, and were placed upon the caskets by friends who
loved the sweet sleeper. On these
petals are tears for the parting, and hopes for the meeting beyond the
gates."
