Mrs. Nancy Coolbaugh

Of bronchial consumption, at the residence of T. W. Alden, in Leaf River Township, Ogle County, Ill., July 13, 1887, Mrs. Nancy Coolbaugh, aged 76 years, 3 months, and 22 days.

Mrs. Nancy Coolbaugh, nee Brewster, was born at Union, N. Y., March 21, 1811. While yet a child, her father moved to Bradford Co., Pa. There, in August 12, 1830, she was united in marriage to Moses Coolbaugh. Fourteen years later they moved to Illinois, and had resided in Byron, or its lmmediate vicinity ever since.

Mr. Coolbaugh died two years ago, aged 76 years, 2 months, and 7 days, just 15 days younger than Mrs. C. at the time of her death. Of nine children, eight survive to mourn their loss.

The funeral services were held in the Congregational Church, Byron, July 15, the sermon being delivered by Rev. W. S. Cooley, of Seward, from the text: Hebrews 11:39-40.
For years Mrs. C. was a great sufferer enduring all her affliction with Christian patience and fortitude. “What are these light afflictions which last but a moment,, compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” and “He doeth all things well” were among the substantial pillars to her faith; unfaltering even in the crucible of severest physical suffering.

She united with the church in early life, and upon coming to Illinois in 1844 she transferred her membership to the Congregational Church of Byron, of which she remained an earnest and consistent member up to the time of her death. Her spirit, bursting through the prison wall of its physical environment, now wings its upward flight, away from every earthly care, away from every earthly pain, to enjoy forevermore the full and blessed fruition of all her earthly Christian hopes.

“We strive, but all our efforts fail
To trace that upward flight;
No eye can pierce within the veil,
Which hides the world of light
Yet though we see them not--we know,
Saints are supremely blest;
Are freed from sin, and care, and woe,
And with their Savior rest”

Byron Express, Jul. 22, 1887, p. 1

Contributed by Bob Hutchins

Return to Ogle Co. Genealogy Site