January 22 1897 Vol VI #4, Fairfield News-Herald, pg 4 

and January 29 1897 Vol VI #5, Fairfield News-Herald, pg 4

Died - Frances youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A B Palmer, at 1 a.m. Jan 19th, of Spinal Meningitis, caused primarily by a fall upon the ice. The funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 4 p.m. by Rev Folsom of Hastings.

Another flower has faded from sight,

Another life passed under the rod.

Transplanted by the angels might,

To the garden of her God.

Frances Townsley Palmer

  The sadden death of our dear little Frances Townsley Palmer is undoubtedly known to all. On Jan 19th 1897 she was called from time eternity, at the age of 9 years 11 months and 9 days. We all feel the great extent of her loss, for she was plucked like a little flower just ripping into maturity from the rosebush of life. She was dearly loved by all with whom she came in contact.

  There was a sweetness in every word that dropped from her lips a calmness in the expression of her face and a grace in her motions, which drew everyone close to her with an unceasing power. From the example of her pure life, we all can draw a useful lesson. It is not exaggerating when I claim that her life was truly spotless. She will not only be missed at home but also in the schoolroom and prayer meeting. Indeed I can not bring myself to the realization that she is no longer among us. It seems to me as if I must see her take my hand and walk down the street with me. On Thursday afternoon she used to say to me, "Shall I speak in prayer meeting tonight" "Certainly, Frances" I would answer. When prayer meeting came she was sure to be present and say a word for Jesus.

  No, she is no longer among us, but her pure life and Christ like spirit lives after her. Although we deeply mourn her loss, yet we rejoice to the fact that she is ever happy in yonder heavenly world. To her death was not a thing of horrow but only a falling asleep in Jesus, a pattling away of the old garment in reality to put on the garment of immortality. We know that we shall see her again, for we are taught in the Bible that death does not effect a sudden change upon us which would render us impossible to recognize our friends and beloved ones, but that on the contrary, we will meet them face to face as we know them upon earth.

  May God give comfort to the bereaved parents and sisters. Only the comfort which God gives, who is the source of all true consolations, can heal the wounded hearts and speak peace to the weary soul's.

Rev J A Keiferle