Obituary for Elizabeth Burns Temple (1846-1904)
Uncited clippings from the files of LecClier Edrich.


One of Hardin's Best Citizens Dead

Elizabeth, daughter of George L. and Cynthia Ann BURNS, was born in Lincoln County, Mo., November 22, 1846, and peacefully departed from us at Hardin, Ill., Wednesday, November 9, 1904 at 3:10 p.m. The days of the years of her life were 57 years, 11 months and 17 days. She was one of a family of six children, of whom but a brother and a half-sister reamins. While a child, she was suddenly left fatherless by a bolt of lightening striking the father as he stood in his own door. With the widowed mother she came to Calhoun county in 1863, and the following year, 1864, on the first day of March was united in marriage with John Thomas TEMPLE at Gilead, and for forty years have they shared the sunshine and shadows of life. To them were given one son and two daughters, one of whom, Mrs. Geo. B. SMITH, preceeded the mother Home two years ago last June.

Gilead, Hardin, and this vicinity has been her home since she came as a young woman, except about two years which were spent in Missouri and one year in Texas. During this time she has endeared herself to those who came to know her. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, a good neighbor and friend.

Few are called to suffer as she was. Health began to fail in 1878, and since then, only two years were spent in freedom from suffering. Thus for one quarter of a century has she endured such pain as none would covet, and few could stand, yet under the circumstances she exhibited much sweet patience.

The faithful, loving husband, son, daughter, and seven grandchildren are not alone in their sorrow, many friends and neighbors will mourn with them. The services were held at the Presbyterian chruch Friday at 1 p.m., when the church was filled to overflowing with her friends and neighbors. She was laid to rest on the Hill, Rev. Jas. R. Sager officiating.


Contributor Comments:  George L. Burns was apparently struck by lightening around 1858 or 1859. If anyone has any information about this, would love to hear about it. The obituary mentions that there were six children in the family, the only siblings I have been able to identify are Julia Burns and David Burns.


Submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by LecClier Edrich, 5 Nov. 1998.  Link change or file update: 23 May 2000

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