Person:Maria Parthemore (1)

From "Genealogy of the Parthemore Family, 1744-1885," by E. W. S. Parthemore, pg. 153-157:

Fortunately, we came across two letters, written in German by Jacob Beyerly, which have given us much information, and show, also, that he was of more than ordinary intellectual ability, which are herewith translated. They were written to his brother-in-law, John Parthemore:

Greeting: August 14, 1812

To you friends and relations:

I hope these few lines will find you in good health. When you left us we were yet well. Again, I have received your letter of August twelfth, and have noted your sorrowful condition, but not as sorrowful as mine; as my dearly beloved wife died on the tenth day of August, between eight and nine o-clock, a.m. On the sixth day of August I went to the salt works. She was fresh and hearty when I left home; when I was away, and on the eighth of August, between three and four o'clock, she went into the spring-house and put the cream into the butter-churn, after which she drank some thick milk, and then went into the house. As she came into the house, she said she was sick, and told the children they should call me, but they told her I was not at home, but they would send for me. She said no, for he has gone to the salt works. Then they called in the neighbors, and about two hours thereafter she was taken with convulsions and was unable to talk. On the ninth day of August they sent for me, and met me twenty miles from home. I arrived at one o'clock, p.m., but she did not recognize me, and was unable to speak one word to me. This is what makes my sorrow much greater, but I am assured she died happy, as her whole life proved it.

She and I have had a heaven upon earth, since we lived in peace and unity with each other. I can well say that she calls me. What great peace there is yonder in Christ's garden. Oh, how glorious the sound, where so many thousand seraphim, with unwearied lips and songs, their hallelujahs sing. Oh, could I there be found, oh, sweet God, before your throne, and bearing many palms; I would with angels love to praise your name with thousand beautiful psalms. Amen. So far as her worldly life was concerned, she attained the age of forty-three years and eleven months, less three days; and lived twenty-one years and eight months, less five days, in a married state. Our union was blessed with eleven children, viz., Three sons and eight daughters, of whom eight are still living, and three are with their mother in eternity. We have enough of everything, but no contentment.

I would still have a great deal to write to you, but my bereavement is so great that I cannot express it in these few lines. I will close with so much.

From your brother and brother-in-law, friend, and well-wisher,

Jacob Beyerly

--RWMeyer 22:19, 5 February 2014 (UTC)

1.   Parthemore, E. Winfield Scott. Genealogy of the Parthemore family, 1744-1885. (Harrisburg, Pa.: L.S. Hart, 1985).
2.   Find A Grave.

   Maria Elizabeth (Parthemore) Byerly