Died, on Saturday morning, July 24, 1897, at the family residence one mile northwest of Lawson, Mrs. Emma E. Bethel, wife of Chester Bethel, after a brief illness. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church in Lawson on Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, and were attended by an immense crowd of the friends and acquaintance of the deceased lady. The services were conducted by Rev. D.G. Saunders, of Stewartsville, and old friend and former pastor of the family. After services at the church the remains were laid to rest in the city cemetery. Emma E. Witt was born in Green county, Ill, Jan 3, 1853, and moved with her parents to Clay county, Mo. Dec 8, 1871. She was married to Chester Bethel Jan 4, 1874. To them three children were born, all of whom are living and were with her when the dread summons came. She united with the Lawson Baptist church and was baptized Feb 28, 1886. Mrs. Bethel had been in poor health for some three years, which she bore with the patience that marks the true Christian during the hour of trial and affliction. Her health had greatly improved of late and she might have been restored completely had not typhoid fever, with some of its most fatal complications, seized upon her and ended her life. As the sun was rising over the eastern horizon her soul took its flight from its earthly tenement of clay and winged its way to God who gave it. Mrs. Bethel was a woman of many virtues. She was a loving wife, a kind and affectionate mother, a true friend and a devoted Christian worker; one who went forth and labored in God's vineyard with untiring energy, ever looking to the welfare of others, ready to give a cheerful word and smile to the troubled and distressed. "Her hands were filled with deeds of charity, the golden keys that open the palaces of eternity." To the bereaved relatives we extend our profoundest sympathy in their hour of great sorrow. May they also be ready when the Master shall say, "Thy work on earth is done; come up higher."