Mrs. ELIZABETH MASON Mrs. Mason, who was a daughter of Valentine Heiffner was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1807. Having relatives in Orange Township, then Richland County, she came, when a young lady, on a visit to that region with Mr. Snider and wife, formerly of Pennsylvania. Her sister, Mrs. Barbara Rowland, had come to Orange some years prior to her trip, and not having good health, became very lonesome in that region, then comparatively an unsettled forest. The object was to aid her sister in recovering her health and contentment. The new settlers of that day were compelled to endure many hardships and privations in order to prepare homes. Christian Rowland and lady finally became residents of Uniontown, now Ashland, where they died about 1832, and are well remembered by old citizens of Ashland. During her residence with Mrs. Rowland, Elizabeth became acquainted with Andrew Mason, and in 1824 they were married, and she never returned to her native country to live. It is proper to note, as a pioneer reminiscence, that Mr. and Mrs. Mason were married by Rev. James Hanley, who was the first Methodist preacher in this county, whose son, John Haney, was the proprietor of Haneytown, but now the village of Savannah, in Clearcreek Township, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mason lived together as man and wife fifty-five years, three months and twenty-five days. She went through many hardships, having gone over the period since 1824 in which great changes have occurred in the wild regions of Richland, but now Ashland County. Cabins and forests were then found in all parts of the county. After a long struggle and enduring many hardships the first settlers succeeded in taming the wilds of the native woods, and now reside in comfortable homes, surrounded by desirable improvements, and the abundance furnished by rich lands, industry and genial climate to reward the industry, economy and frugal habits, for which the pioneers of this county are noted. Mrs. Mason passed through all these scenes a cheerful, industrious Christian lady, and like her husband, long an exemplary member of the church of her choice. At a pioneer meeting on their premises, in 1879, in which many of their neighbors joined, Mrs. Mason prepared, in the ancient way, a lot of corn bread, which was regarded quite a treat. She seemed much interested in the exercises of the pioneers, and became a member of the county society at that time. The pioneers are passing rapidly to that bourne from whence no traveler returns. As the gray haired patriarchs are called to bid adieu to earth, we trust they may be found fully prepared for that great change, and welcomed to that rest prepared in that better country for all the good. Mrs. Mason was buried on Sunday, March 21st, in Orange cemetery. Her remains were conducted to their last resting place by about seventy carriages which formed the procession, followed by relatives, neighbors and friends, making eight or nine hundred people present. The funeral discourse was preached by Rev. P. Roseberry from 11. Corinthians v, 1, assisted by Rev. A. Lyon, presiding elder of the Methodist church.Mrs. Mason was the mother of thirteen children, six of whom preceded her to the better land. She had twenty-eight grandchildren, one of whom had passed over the river of death before her departure. She had four great-grandchildren. She had been a Christian and a motherly pioneer, and an affectionate wife for over half a century, and we trust has found the reward of every Christian and faithful wife. One evening she asked the friends to sing "Home of the Soul," I am so glad that Jesus loves me." She then broke out in joyous strains: "I am so glad that Jesus loves me." In a vision or dream she said she saw her little grandchild in the spirit land; she was very happy, and sent word to her parents to not mourn for her.
MEMORIAL
Two more hands are gently folded
On a faithful, silent breast;
Two more feet have ceased to journey
Through life's howling wilderness;
One more head is freed from aching,
One more heart has ceased to beat,
One more soul has left is casket-
Gone to Heaven's safe retreat.
One dear face no more appearing
When the breakfast table's spread;
One less kneeling at the altar
When the evening prayers are said;
One more husband sad and lonely,
One more family motherless,
One more singing hallelujah,
In the regions of the blest.
Six dear, sainted little spirits
Opened wide the golden gate,
When they saw their mother coming
To enjoy their happy state.
Still the blissful chorus singing,
Angels shout it loud and long,
"Welcome, welcome sainted mother,
Welcome to this happy throng."
O, cheer up, dear father Mason,
Soon your journey will be o'er,
Then you'll meet your dear companion
Where sad partings are no more.
Children, serve your mother's Saviour;
Heed your mother's dying prayer-
May the family reunited,
Dwell forever with her there.
Mrs. S.Z. Kauffman.
Nova, Ashland County, March 22, 1880
transcribed by
 Penny Hanes
PHanes1368@aol.comcontributed by
Russ Shopbell
bellshop@zoominternet.net |
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