A Time of No Regulations

 

At this time, in the early eighties, there were no regulations governing burials. I am citing a tragic instance in a sister county. It concerns a young mother living with her family on their claim thirty miles from the nearest town.

 

(This young woman) had suffered with tuberculosis for several years, without treatment or medical aid. In early winter she died. A casket was made out of boards by kindly neighbors. Several women of the neighborhood prepared the remains for burial. Since the ground was frozen, the coffin was placed the north side of the shanty until spring when interment could be made.

 

In the absence of ministers, her brother-in-law Tortein O. Roble, officiated at the last rites.  At the grave side Norwegian funeral hymns were sung by the few mourners, the committal lines were pronounced and the remains of Mrs. Tollef (Jessie) Roble were consigned to earth on the lone prairie of Paradise Township near the country post office named Tiffany.

 

1897 Burial of Twin Girls

 

A little twin monument in the Hovey family plat at Vang Cemetery near Manfred marks the graves of year old twin girls who died 70 years ago when they succumbed to a virulent case of dysentery. In preparation for interment kind friends assisted in making caskets out of boards.

These were lined with white sheets, the exterior painted black. Floral offerings were wreaths of wild fall flowers such as goldenrods, blue asters and baby sunflowers.

 

In the absence of a clergyman the Deacon of the congregation, Mr. T.O. Roble conducted the grave side service. After the lines of the Committal Service were spoken on that beautiful autumn day, the remains of the twins were delivered to their final resting place. The inscription on the monument reads:

 

Julia Matilda born October 25, 1896, died August 26, 1897

Nora Amanda born October 25, 1896, died September 6, 1897

 

Source:  Sennev Nertrost Whipple

Date: March 1966