Mary Martha HOUSEL Schenck

Commercial World Magazine, October 3, 1884; p.16 [Location - 1880 census, Manhattan, New York City, NY] Obituary -

Mrs. William G. Schenck HOUSEL - Mrs. Mary Martha Schenck died in this city on Wednesday morning September 24th [1884], at her residence in the Westminster Hotel, of which her husband, Mr. Wm. G. Schenck, is the proprietor. She was a native of Easton, Pa., her maiden name being Mary Martha Housel, and she had just reached the fifty-first year of her age. Her death was not unexpected, as she had been an invalid for over a year, and during the last ten weeks was a great sufferer. Throughout the painful ordeal her sufferings were borne with a degree of Christian fortitude and meekness in perfect harmony with the strong religious consistency which had rendered her life more than ordinarily remarkable. She was formerly connected with Rev. Dr. Crosby's Presbyterian Church, and latterly was a member of Rev. Dr. John Hall's Church [of the same denomination] on Fifth avenue. She had been long and actively engaged in Christian and charitable work of various descriptions. She was a business manager and member! of the Devotional Committee of the women's Christian Union, and was deeply interested in its religious operations. As long as her condition permitted she was a regular and earnest participant in the Wednesday meetings [known as the Thirty-fourth street Prayer Meetings], and was also prompt and active in attendance on the regular Friday business meetings.

Among the other beneficent interests to which her earnest attention was devoted, was the Women's Temperance Union, Jerry McAuley's Mission, Mrs. Dr. Bottome's Drawing Room "Bible Talks," and Mrs. Dr. Palmer's Prayer Meetings. She was ever ready to sustain and promote every good cause, not only by personal influence and effort, but by the liberal contribution of her means.

Of a deeply sympathetic, affectionate, and generous disposition, with a clear and excellent judgment, and thorough energy, her influence as a wife, mother, sister and friend was exceptionally remarkable. Among the poor and afflicted she devoted much of her time, always ready with a helping hand, words of comfort and consolation, and fervent Christian counsel. Among many other of her kindly offices, she was accustomed to read to the sick and infirm, whom she visited. In all these benevolent works her manner was quiet, unostentatious, earnest and energetic, her right hand not knowing what the left hand did. One of the most affecting incidents connected with her last hours was the marriage of her only daughter, Miss Annie H. Schenck, who was united to Mr. N.W. Horton, the ceremony being performed at Mrs. Schenck's request two days before her death, at her bedside, in the presence of the immediate family.

The funeral took place on Friday, the 26th inst., at the hotel, and the remains were removed to Easton, Pa., and laid at rest in the family plot, beside the bodies of her two younger children, who died some years ago.

"After the shower, the tranquil sun; After the snow, the emerald leaves; Silver stars when the day is done; After the harvest, golden sheaves.

"After the burden, the blissful meed; After the flight, the downy nest; After the furrow, the waking seed; After the shadowy river ----------- rest!"