Surnames: HOREL WILSON

----Source: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 03/16/1907

Wilson, Mary J. (7 JAN 1861 - 14 Mar 1907)

Mary J. Horel was born Jan. 7, 1861, near Humbird, Clark County, Wis. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horel, who were among the very first settlers in this country. She grew to girlhood and womanhood in the old home where she has since resided. She was married Jul 5, 1884 to James Wilson of Green Bay, Wis. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Ashton, S.D., where they spent several years farming, but later returned to Wisconsin, where they have remained for the greater part of the time since then.

The deceased has enjoyed fair health until a recent attack of the grippe, but apparently suffered from no serious results. Last Friday night she was stricken with apoplexy at her home, and in spite of all efforts she gradually weakened until the end came peacefully at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 1907.

Mrs. Wilson was a woman of unusual mental attainments, a brilliant mind and force and beauty of character. She threw herself with heart and soul into her life's work, and when the summons came to her it was not until "finish" had been written across the last page thereof.

"A noble woman is the noblest work of God" and to no nobler end can the life of a woman be dedicated than than to the service of those near and dear to her. Steadfastness of purpose, truth and loyalty of heart and mind, a bright trinity forever associated with the noblest, were the distinguishing traits of her of whom we write."

Her friends are legion, her enemies are few, if any. Nothing more expressive can be said. Bright deeds of glory, dazzling splendors of earthy attainments, fame and fortune fall to the lot of some, but peace, happiness and the consciousness of duty well known are grander far, better, higher and more true, and of such as attain these are the Kingdom.

No nation, creed or cult can be made broad enough, deep enough, or high enough to embrace all the principles that underlie a life dedicated to the service of fellow men. Such belong to the world and all thereon. Small though their sphere the measure of their work is incalculable. Influence exerted here, examples there, by curious chains of circumstance with which our lives are interwoven with those of the world beyond us, carry to those of whom we May never know, salutary and beneficent influences.

To his who would gauge the value of a life like this we would say "As well attempt to measure the all pervading liquid of the earth with its hidden springs, its limitless bodies and vague properties."

None can know and none will ever know the fires of purification through which such a soul passes, in which the base metal is separated from the dress, but we are given the example which May forever remain with us to teach in the uplifting of our own souls towards a higher and better goal.