Person:Eliza Whitcomb (2)

The death of Mrs. Eliza Dexter, relict of Amos Dexter, which occurred at the home of her sister, Mrs. E. A. Boblett, in this city, last Sunday, August 29th, 1897, removes one of the earlier pioneers of Whatcom county. For several years past this devoted christian woman has been a constant sufferer from a complication of diseases, which finally triumphed over life, and the gentle patient, suffering spirit, with calm, supreme christian resignation, succumbed to the inevitable and winged its flight to that far away land from whose borne no traveler has ever returned.

Deceased was born near Concord, N. H., April 7, 1827, therefore had passed her seventieth year. She was married to Amos Dexter on Sept. 8th, 1848, near Madison, Wis. Soon after their marriage they removed to Iowa, from whence they emigrated to Nebraska, then to South Dakota, then westward to Colorado, from whence they were soon attracted to the promising territory of Washington, locating on the place at the head of Drayton harbor, where they resided continuously for a period of 28 years. In the true sense of the word they were pioneers, precursors of western civilization, and had experienced all of the excitements, adventures and thrilling incidents that enter into the life of the frontiersman. They had tasted the joys, experienced the disappointments and suffered the self-denials of the pioneer. They had seen the great western wilderness by the magic touch of civilization transformed into a great industrial empire. Even more marvelous than all this, they had witnessed the wonderful development of peerless Washington. When they first settled in Whatcom it was almost an unbroken, trackless forest. Now the homes of an industrious people dot hill-side and valley, and on the shores of the inland sea growing cities eloquently attest the commonwealth's vast wealth of varied natural resources. To contemplate the national development, the thrilling events and the remarkable advancement occurring during the period closing a biblical lifespan - three score and ten - seems almost miraculous. Since 12 years of age she has been a devoted christian, embracing the Free Will Baptist persuasion. During the past five years she accepted the faith of her husband - that of a Seven Day Adventist. To the faith of a christian she clung with a fidelity, zeal and steadfastness, that impressed all with whom she came in contact that with her it was genuine, abiding conviction. Her live was one of truth, of earnestness, of sincerity. Her conception of duty lofty - to it she proved faithful to the end.

The funeral services were conducted at the home of E. A. Boblett by Rev. A. Warren, Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The services were impressive. The speaker paid a touching tribute to the memory of the departed. Her remains were interred in the city cemetery by the side of the remains of her husband, the late Amos Dexter. Her departure is mourned by a mother, who recently passed her 93 year, two sisters, Mrs. E. A. Boblett of this city, and Mrs. Preston Hotchkiss of Ouray, Col., and a host of old-time neighbors and friends, who extend sympathy to the sorrowing family in the hour of bereavement.