MRS. PERMELIA BLOUNT
Mrs. Permelia Blount, daughter of William and Amanda Rich, was born near Milton, Wayne county, Indiana, March 4, 1851, and departed this life February 11th, 1912, aged 60 years, 11 months and 6 days. She was the first of a family of six children. Two brothers still survive her - Oliver E. Rich and Charles E. Rich. One sister, Nancy A., and one brother, James H., died in infancy, and another sister, Mrs. Ellen Prine, having died very recently. In September, 1868, William Rich and family moved to the old Rich homestead in Washington township, where he lived until his death, August 6th, 1882. The deceased was married to John Divelbiss, December 12th, 1872. To this union was born a son, Walter. May 9th, 1874, the father died, leaving the widow and son to mourn their loss. In this hour of sorrow the mother turned to her son for comfort. Her only thought was of caring for and raising the boy, that he might grow to fill the vacancy in her life. As Walter grew her happiness grew likewise, and then, in the midst of it all Walter died while yet a mere child, thus sweeping away the remaining sunshine of her life. Only those of us who have had such experiences can ever know how vacant her life was. That which had become a part of her very existence was gone. Upon the anniversary of the son's birthday the mother frequently expressed her sorrow, and often thought of the comfort her boy might have been had he only lived. November 2nd, 1887, the deceased was again married, to Rev. Jacob Blount, thus becoming the stepmother of seven children. She was ever a mother, indeed. They learned to lover her, and were ever kind and gently to her. Their relation was of the ideal sort. The home was one of much happiness and was always a haven of rest for each member of the family. Then again the hand of death went forth and the husband and father was called to rest November 1st, 1899. It has been said that this life is half made up of partings and we must learn to bear the pain. Our sister not only learned to bear the pain but to bear it patiently. Mrs. Blount united with the Christian church at Raleigh [Rush county], October 20th, 1870, and has since been a faithful member. Sunday morning found her in a place of worship, and the following week found her life full of Christ-like love. During her last illness that same Christian faith, which had meant so much to her in the past, was her strength and help. In saying good-bye to one whom she felt sure she should never meet on earth again, she said, "I hope we'll meet over yonder." In the hours of such sorrow there is nothing so comforting as to hear the parting one express such Christian faith, and while it is always hard to part with loved ones, we can not help but feel that in the midst of such faith it is well.
R.M.
