Obituary:
It is with feelings of sadness which are shared by our entire village and community that we notice the death, on Saturday last, of Miss Ruth Edna Woolsey, daughter of Elijah Woolsey, of this place. Her death was the result of the injuries received in the sad accident which we chronicled two weeks ago. The wounds were not, at first, regarded as very dangerous, but the unfavorable season of the year had a depressing effect upon a constitution not remarkably strong. Yet within a couple of days of her death hopes were entertained of her recovery, and when these faded out a feeling of sadness manifested itself not only among her near friends but with less familiar acquaintances among the village people. To die in old age, after one has lived out his days and had what opportunity this life affords for happiness, is what most of us look forward to, and with eager hope we anticipate the long years of pleasant employment, and the society of our friends to cheer us on the journey of life. The thought of perishing amid the bright scenes of youth is chilling to the heart.
From the sad reflection that the one whose death we chronicle is lost to her friends and the community, we turn to contemplate the graces that adorned her character. From her early youth she was noted for amiability and cheerfulness. Although very sprightly in conversation, her tongue was never heard to ridicule the foibles of others, nor ever did an envious thought seem to cross her mind. Among her acquaintances she dispensed sunshine as a flower does perfume. In her sphere she labored to do good, and her work in the Sabbath school and wherever her duty called her in the line of Christian labor, is an example to others which will not be lost. -
By her death society has lost one of its purest ornaments, the church one of its most faithful disciples, and this community one of its most loved members.
The funeral was held in the Reformed church on Monday, and notwithstanding the storm a large and sympathizing audience was present. The sermon by Dr. Paltz was a feeling expression of the sorrow of the community at the loss, and an exhortation to follow in the paths of Christian virtue which she had trod.
The choir of which she was a member adopted a series of resolutions, which will be found below, expressive of their sympathy.
[Resolutions follow]
New Paltz Independent August 5, 1875