MARY (MAXWELL) QUEST - Death, the great reaper whose sickle never dulls, and whose arm never falters, has garnered another sheaf in the passing of this wife and mother. Her maiden name was Mary Maxwell. Her parents, William and Catherine Maxwell, were among the earliest settlers of Jordan township, Whiteside county, Illinois. They came from Scotland to Freeport, Ill., and walked from that city to Jordan in 1854. They experienced the privations and inconveniences of the early pioneer, which to the young of our days seem exaggerated tales of fancy. The deceased was born in Jordan township on the 6th day of July, 1855, and died at her home in Elkhorn township (Carroll County) on the 14th day of July, 1921, at the age of 66 years and 8 days. She was united in marriage to Samuel Quest on the 28th (29th per Carroll Co. IL State records) of January, 1880. Three children were born to grace this union, namely, Mrs. Nellie Jane Rister, of Lanark, William James, at home; and Mrs. Jessie Olive Cornealius of Jordan township. She is survived by her husband, three children and two brothers, John and William, both of Jordan, and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Wierham and Mrs. Jennie Hugins, both of Sterling, Ill. Mrs. Quest’s health began to be undermined by a fatal malady about nine years ago. Her resistance of its progress was remarkable, causing the exhibition of the characteristics of a real heroine. Never did she even lisp words of complaint, or allow herself to become irritable during her prolonged and varied suffering. About six years ago the manifestations of the disease became more apparent and her weakened condition more noticeable. But her optimistic spirit never seemed to waver until last March, when she gave up hoping for restoration to health, and began to droop and fade like a flower. The last six weeks of her earthly existence was spent in her chair, but the same patience and submission characterized her life to the end. She appreciated the devotion of her loved ones, as they by their kindly ministries sought to make her painful journey a little more comfortable and endurable.

She was an ardent admirer of flowers. To her they seemed to contain a message from the infinite. As they bloomed in beauty and fragrance for the pleasure of others, rather than themselves, so she desired to live for the betterment of others rather than for selfish ends. She will prove to her loved ones one of those not to be readily forgotten, and one in whose passing through life left impression that are fragrant as flowers, and the memories of which are life faded rose leaves in a jar. We may leave them or set them aside for a time, but when the hour of retrospection descends upon us, and we lift the lid of jar that holds our sacred recollections — refreshing, grateful and stimulating comes the sweetness of a clean and honest friendship, which has in it only the things which are born in honor and sustained by virtue. The archives of her home will preserve the list of her honors, and to her friends and neighbors her memory will long be dear. She was a member of the Ladies’ Aid society and the Missionary Association of the U. B. Church, and was greatly interested in both. The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at the South Elkhorn church and were attended by many relatives and friends, Rev. Dickens officiating, taking as his theme, “Building Character.” Rev. and Mrs. Safford and daughter Dorothy furnished the music. Burial was in South Elkhorn cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 22, 1921, page 9, column 2.