Salem (IN) Democrat, September 4, 1907, p. 6.
ANOTHER WASHINGTON COUNTY PIONEER GONE: Ursley Elgin
Ursley O(illegible) (illegible) was born near Richmond, Ky., May 1, 1817,
died August 14, 1907, being at the time of her death 90 years, 3 months and
15 days old. Her parents moved to Indiana crossing the Ohio River the day
she was five years old traveling overland through the dense forest till they
reached the village where the town of Orleans is now located. Here she
lived with her parents until January 12, 1834, when she was married to
Thomas Elgin and came with him to his farm one-fourth of a mile west of
Claysville where she lived continuously in the same yard until death being a
period of 73 years, 7 months and 3 days.
To this union was born 15 children, 7 boys and 8 girls, 5 sons and 4
daughter are still living. The husband, preceded her to heaven 37 years and
6 months (ago). Besides her own children, she raised two step children, a
boy and girl. The son, Henry Elgin of Taylorville, Ill., is still living.
The daughter, Mrs. John Chastain of Pana, Ill., died some years ago.
She and her husband united with the Lost River Baptist Church about 1855. A
few years later they moved their membership to the Stampers Creek Regular
Baptist Church. After the death of her husband, she moved her membership to
the Lost River Regular Baptist Church, sometimes called Old Union, where her
membership remained until death. She, however, always took a great interest
in the Lost River Baptist Church and Sunday school. All of her children
were raised up in this Sunday school and became members of this church. Two
of her sons, William and Gaddis, became ministers; Jesse and James, deacons.
She continued to encourage her grandchildren to attend Sabbath school and to
strive to live Christian lives.
To those who knew Mother Elgin, her Christian life needs no words of eulogy.
To those who never knew her, suffice it to say that a purer, nobler
Christian life was never lived in this community. Notwithstanding, she had
lived to a ripe old age, she will be greatly missed by her children,
grandchildren and neighbors.
After funeral services conducted at the Claysville Church Sunday by Rev.
James Wolfe, her remains were taken to the Trimble Graveyard and laid by the
side of her husband.