NORRIS CEMETERY, (New Market), MADISON COUNTY ALABAMA
Obituary for Mrs. Louisa C. Ward (1847-1893)
Ward: Mrs. Louisa C. Ward (nee Hagewood) was born in Dickson County, Tennessee,
December 16, 1847; was happily converted to God at the age of 12 or 14 years and
soon thereafter connected herself with the church. She was married to Rev. D.W.
Ward, of the North Alabama Conference, February 1, 1870 and died in the
parsonage at New Market, November 24, 1893. While attending the last session of
the North Alabama Conference Brother Ward was called home to the bedside of his
dying wife. Although she had been a sufferer for a long time, her death was a
great shock to her family. No one thought the end so near. But when it came it
found her ready to meet the issue without a tremor or a doubt. She had been a
true wife and a devoted mother, ever ready to minister to the comfort and
happiness of husband and children. She had been reared in the lap of luxury, yet
she was ready to share with her husband the hardships incident to an itinerant
life. The legacy left her by her father was consumed supplementing short
salaries and educating her children. Sometimes when the road seemed so very hard
and the demands of a growing family pressed heavily upon Brother Ward and he
would suggest that for the sake of wife and children he had better locate.
Sister Ward would not consent, saying, "we will go to our work and trust in the
Lord to provide for our needs". And so for twenty
three years she worked and sacrificed and trusted, ministering to the wants of
her children and aiding her husband in his work.
Sister Ward was not as demonstrative as some people, but she appreciated her
friends and always had a way of showing it. She loved the church and was
untiring in her efforts to advance its works. Her home and heart were always
open to ministers of the gospel. But she is gone. No more will that voice be
heard soothing the sorrows of the little children. But in the skies that voice
has been blended with the angels and suited to their harps and shall sing
forever the praises of God. May the hearts of husband and children be comforted
in the fact that while the dark-winged messenger was entering that home, at the
same time the white-robed spirits of the redeemed were there to take the freed
spirit through the gates ajar for
her.
J.D. Ellis, East Lake, Alabama
Published in the January 18, 1894 issue of "The Alabama Christian Advocate"