Rev. Norphie E. Bottom
Norphie
Ernest Bottom, son of Henry S. and Adeline Spence Bottom, was born near
Anna, Ill., November 14, 1869 and died at Volga City, Iowa, September
19, 1928; aged 58 years, 10 months, and 10 days.
He was
united in marriage to Martha Bell Johnson, October 12, 1898.
To
this union six children were born, all of whom with the mother, survive
to mourn this first break in the family ties. They
are:
Myron C., Knoxville, Tenn.; Merrill D. of Omaha, Nebraska; Mrs. Merida
Oliver of Willow Springs, Mo.; Morris E., of Wilcox, Ariz.; Mildred R.,
of Knoxville, Tenn.; Milton F. of Lansing, Iowa.
When a
small child his parents emigrated to Nebraska and homesteaded on land
in then (Thayer) County. Owing to the newness of the country
many
hardships were undergone by the people of that time. From his
early youth, he had been a sufferer from heart disease and this malady
greatly interfered with his plans and aims in life.
Taking
advantages of the meager school facilities, he secured a common school
education and attended State Teachers College at Superior, Nebraska.
When a
young man he returned to Illinois, and for a time was engaged in
newspaper work and school teaching. After his marriage he
returned to Nebraska and bought a newspaper, later selling this and
again teaching school. Always being a devoted Christian, he
answered the call and entered the ministry. Being a great
student
and firm in his convictions, he attained remarkable success in his
Master's work.
Owing
to failing health he retired from the ministry in 1915, and for a short
time was engaged in selling religious books of his own authorship.
With
his family growing up, he again entered the newspaper field and taught
three of his children that trade, three of his sons now being engaged
in the printing industry.
Feeling
the call he again entered the ministry and continued in that work until
his death. Being a great reader and taking special
instructions
under some of the world's foremost Bible scholars, he gained
considerable reputation for his intimate knowledge of the great
religious questions.
He was
a devoted fundamentalist and prepared several special lectures upon
this issue. He was especially interested in the question of
Christ's second coming and devoted much time and study to the
subject. His clear and concise interpretation of this little
understood question brought him commendation from many
students.
At the suggestion of some of the great Bible teachers he was preparing
a book upon this subject at the time of his death.
While
engaged in newspaper work he had many opportunities to obtain
introductory copies of some of the world's greatest books and at the
time of his death had one of the largest private libraries in the
state. These books consisted chiefly of religious, oratorical
and
historical works.
A few
days before his death he was suddenly stricken and owing to the
weakened condition of his heart he was unable to rally. He
grew
gradually weaker and on Wednesday morning, September 19, he passed
quietly away. During his last illness he realized he could
not
recover and told his devoted wife his only regrets at going were
leaving her and his unfinished work. The night before his
death,
while in a semi-conscious state, he delivered one of his sermons and
shortly before his death told his wife that it would soon be over and
that it was only a matter of faith.
Short
funeral services were conducted at the home in Iowa by Dr. Hinkhouse of
Mason City, and the body was taken to Anna, Illinois for burial
Thursday, September 20th. The funeral at the grave in
Ebenezer
cemetery was conducted by Rev. Chas. Johnson.
(Note: Norphie
was placed in a sealed casket because he had died of diptheria,
complicated by his weak heart. He was taken by train from
Iowa to
Anna. His wife, Martha and son, Milton, were quarantined.)
--Contributed
by: Granddaughter Anna Bottom Newell.
