Obituary of Martha Ann Chew,
wife of William Paca Chew

(transcribed from the El Dorado Eagle, Thursday, 2 Jan. 1878, El Dorado, Arkansas, by Tommy Carter)

Mrs. Martha A. Chew was born in Petersburg, Va., on the 15th day of September, 1826, was married June, 15th 1840, in the State of Mississippi to Mr. W. P. Chew, with whom she lived until suddenly separated by death in 1857. Her twenty years of widowhood was spent in Union County, Ark.

She was marked as a victim of death and taken from us the 3d of Dec., 1877, after a lengthy and painful attack of bronchitis, aged 51 years 2 months and 18 days. Her valuable life was spared to raise her seven surviving children, who now feel severely her loss. These dear children, though now separated, realize, as none but children can, the loss of a faithful and devoted mother.

The last few years of her life she was a member of the Baptist Church at El Dorado. She was devotedly attached to its service. Her love for it was beyond question among those who knew her. The call of the bell always brought her to her seat in the house of God. The pastor was sure that her place would be occupied unless providentially hindered and that her prayers were often going to the mercy seat for the success of the gospel.

The love of God dwelling richly in her heart, she was free to speak of the great comfort she realized in the exercise of faith to God. This faith (can't read two words) in her last illness (can't read one or two words) unto death's dark door, so that even in death she could lisp the name of a blessed Jesus. Now that she is gone we sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. A faithful friend, a devoted Christian, an affectionate mother is gone but

"Is not even death a gain to those

Whose life to God was given

Gladly to earth their eyes they close,

To open them in heaven.

 

Their toils are past, their work is done,

And they are fully blest,

They fought the fight, the victory won,

And entered into rest."

J.M.H. El Dorado, Dec. 27, 1877