Edward Brown

Edward and Laura Brown markersDied at the home of his adopted daughter, March 23rd. 1895.

Laura J. Brown

September 14, 1889. Died.

In De Smet, Sept. 9, of consumption, Mrs. Laura J. Brown, wife of Rev. Edward Brown.

Laura Jane Goodale was born in Amherst, Mass., Oct. 8, 1828. Through the influence of a Christian mother, she was early instructed in the principles of Christianity. At the age of nine years she was hopefully converted, and united with the church. She was educated at North Amherst academy, and being, by the death of her father, thrown upon her own resources, at the age of eighteen years, she chose the profession of teacher, which she successfully pursued, first in Hadly, Mass., then in New York city, and subsequently, for several years, in Byron and Lee Center, Ill, and Mantorville, Minn. At the latter place she was married to Rev. Edward Brown, May 3, 1867. In this relationship she became an efficient helper to her husband in his pastoral labors in Medford, Minn., Wadsworth, Ohio, and De Smet, Dak. She was endowed with a decided poetic talent, and several of her productions in this line were published, and widely circulated. As a temperance worker, and corresponding secretary of the W.C.T.U. for Kingsbury county, she helped to start the ball in motion which, it is hoped, will soon result in constitutional prohibition for South Dakota. Her methods were quiet; she made no parade or bluster; but, like the hidden but powerful forces of nature her efforts were effectual to the accomplishment of much good. It is thought that the continual strain she was subject to in the prosecution of this work, rendered her an easy prey to the disease which finally terminated her earthly career. She as universally loved by all who knew her, and, in her death, the whole community experienced a deep sense of loss. Her expected, from the life she lived,—calm and peaceful. When told by her husband that she had not long to live, she replied, "I know it, but I see a beautiful world beyond." The text chosen for her funeral discourse, was from John 17, 24; and the service was attended by a large and sympathetic audience. The Master willed that she should be with Him where He is, and now she sees Him face to face, and knows as she is known.

 

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