Mason County Democrat August 23, 1907

Mrs. Susan Wilcox, wife of Samuel Wilcox, died Monday after a long illness of cancer. The funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Walker's Grove church. Interment in the Walker's Grove cemetery.

Contributed by:Matthew Ferricks

Susan Carolyn Spurgeon was born in Cleveland, Butler county, O., April 18, 1840. She moved to Illinois with her parent, Uriah and Nancy Spurgeon when she was 13 years old. On March 1, 1857, she was united in marriage to McGrady Close. In 1863 she with her husband and four small children, emigrated to Madison county, Ia. To this union was born seven children, four of whom are still living; Mary Shelton of Mason City, Ill., Fielden Close of Oklahoma, Emily Flathers of Oklahoma and George Close of Mason county, Ill. Her husband died Aug. 18, 1868. After his death she returned to Illinois.

September 13, 1872, she was again united in marriage to Samuel E. Wilcox; to them were born five children all of whom are living. Zona Johnson, Maud Jewel, Lon Lounsberry and Laura Moslander, all of Mason county, Ill., and Dora Thomas of Oklahoma. She was a faithful wife, a most loving mother, and a true friend to all. She has been a great sufferer for over 25 years, the last 14 months being confined to her bed. She united with the M.E. church when she was 14 years old. How faithful she has been let her own words speak for her. Here is an extract taken from one of her letters written Jan. 22, 1902. "Dear daughter, in answer to your kind letter, I will say I am not afraid to meet my Saviour. I put all my trust in him and I know he will not forsake me. I do not dread death and will gladly go when the summons comes. I know there have been times in my life when I have drifted away from right, but I feel now that my peace is made with God, and that I will find peace beyond the grave. I have had many heavy trials to bear but I have tried to bear them patiently and I hope with the help and grace of God to bear them to the end. I will wait with patience for the end to come, when I hope to receive my reward, but still we need each others prayers to help sustain us through our trials and troubles in this world, that we may all meet in heaven is my constant prayer." In all of her suffering she never murmured or complained, but seemed to think every thing that came to her was for the best and as such she accepted it with patience. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. T.O. Holley of Easton at the Walker's Grove church and she was laid to rest in the Walker's Grove cemetery.

She died the 19th day of Aug. 1907, aged 67 years, 4 months and 1 day. We have lost a dear mother but she has gained the peace and rest with her Saviour she so longed for. She leaves to mourn her departure, a husband, 9 children, 18 grand-children and 3 great-grandchildren, besides many friends. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

Contributed by Carole Martin