Williams, Elizabeth C. Schmidt (1881-1927)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Jan 4 p. 1

Birth date: 1881 Jan 10

text of obituary:

A MOTHER MEETS TRAGIC DEATH

Mrs. Williams Dies From Injuries Received When Home Burns

Johnson, Kansas, Dec. 23. — A terrible tragedy happened in our midst Wednesday evening about five o'clock, when the home of Mrs. Lizzie Williams in the north part of town was totally destroyed by fire.

Mrs. Williams was so badly burned, that she lived only a few hours. She had started to re-kindle a fire in the stove and in some manner her clothing caught fire, and before the flames could be smothered the clothing was burned from her body.

Before help could arrive the house was in a mass of flames and the house and contents were destroyed. Only a few pieces of bedding were saved.

Men of the town quickly gathered with fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting apparatus, but the flames had gained such headway that they were helpless in saving anything and could only stand by and watch the building burn to the ground.

The mother was given first aid treatment before starting to the Epworth Hospital in Liberal. Mr. J. B. Cockrum was taking her overland in his car, but before reaching the hospital she passed away. They returned to Johnson with the body, and it is being held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Russell, until the funeral Friday afternoon.

This sad, tragic death has taken a beloved mother from the home, leaving six homeless children. — Johnson City Pioneer.

Mrs. Williams is an aunt of Mrs. D. D. Wiebe of Newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Feb 1 p.2

text of obituary:

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Williams

The following obituary of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Williams, known to many in this community, who passed away at Johnson, Kans., on Dec. 21, last, appeared in the Johnson City Pioneer.

"Elizabeth G. Schmidt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Schmidt, was born in Marion county, Kan., Jan. 10, 1881, and departed this life Dec. 21, 1927, at the age of 46 years, 11 months and 10 days.

"She was united in marriage to Leander Edgar Williams at Canton, Kan.; on Monday, Aug. 12, 1907. To this union seven children were born, one dying in infancy.

"In March 1919, she was bereft of her husband and the great burden of responsibility of making a home and caring for the children fell upon her shoulders. She loved her home and children and took a keen interest in bringing up her children and teaching them the way of right living. Tho she passed thru many hardships, Lizzie, as she was familiarly known, always had a smile and a word of good cheer for her neighbors or friends when she met them. She was always doing many deeds of kindness for her friends and often neglected her own work to help others who were in need.

"Early in life she obeyed her Savior, and united with the Mennonite church, later transferring her letter to the Methodist church.

"She leaves to mourn her departure, six children: Bessie, Ira, Elmer, Joe, Ruth, Cecil; one brother, Pete Schmidt of Ulysis [sic Ulysses]; a sister, Mrs. J. J. Hiebert, of Hillsboro, Kan.; and numerous relatives and friends.

"The beautiful floral offerings and large concourse of friends who gathered to pay their last respects showed the esteem in which she was held.

"Funeral services were conducted at the Johnson Methodist church, Friday afternoon, Dec. 23, conducted by the Rev. Lyman Burgess." Exch.