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Emma Jane Steward

1865 - 1922

 

Emma Jane Steward, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Steward, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in early childhood moved with her parents to West Union, Ohio, where she attended the public school and afterward taught for several years in the same school, as well as in other places in that state.
 

After a visit with relatives in Iowa she was so delighted with this western country she decided to take up her work out here, and under her, the first rural eighth grade class in Winnebago county was graduated. For five consecutive years she was principal of the school in Leland, and during the past seven years was assistant postmistress.

She loved children and was ever interested in the future welfare of all her pupils. She had a genial sympathetic, and forgiving spirit and was always especially unfortunate, and oppressed everywhere. The tender thoughtfulness of all kind friends and the flowers sent during her illness greatly touched and cheered her.

She was passionately fond of flowers, and made a study of the cultivation of them, recognizing that "the hand that made them was divine."

At West Union, Ohio, she was received into the Presbyterian church by Rev. S. W. Elliott. She read and loved her bible and endeavored to live according to its teaching. Like many another Christian she had her times of depression and sought the Savior with a humble and contrite heart. After a visit from the minister she experienced that wonderful peace, "not as the world giveth." and, though at first she longed to live, was fully resigned to God's will, and passed away on Friday, May 19, conscious that she was leaving us. but trusting implicitly in the promises, "when thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee." and, " yea through I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me." and with the prayer on her lips, "Lord,
Jesus, receive my spirit." she fell asleep in him. Shortly before the end she whispered, "tell everybody goodbye."
 

Of the immediate family she leaves behind one sister, Effie M. Steward. The funeral service was held on Sunday afternoon in the Lutheran church, conducted by the pastor Rev. J. A. Quello, and among the flowers she loved so well the remains were tenderly laid to rest in Forest Home cemetery at Leland. All of the twelve honorary and active pallbearers were her former pupils.

"Someday the bell will ring
When with a shout that school is out
We'll homeward run"
And lessons done ---

source: Summit, Forest City, Iowa, 25 May 1922, page 1, column 3

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