Martha Delia Bourne

Source: Pearl Road Methodist Church via William Alger Bourne archive Year 1932

Martha D. Bourne

Over the hills to beautiful Brecksville Cemetery, a procession of sorrowing friend followed the mortal remains of Martha D. Bourne Wednesday, Jan 6, to her final resting place over looking the town of Brecksville, where she was born nearly seventy-six years ago, one of the seven children of William and Armanilla Bourne.

Martha Bourne was a woman of unusual strength of character. At about fifteen years of age, she left the farm to make her way in Cleveland. Asa young woman she was an official member of the Kingsman Road Methodist Church; and then of Pearl Road Church, where she served as secretary and treasurer for many years, and as superintendent of the primary department.

She was a member of the Deaconess Board, and especially interested in the welfare of the people coming here from foreign lands. Her strong faith and sweet disposition endeared her to all hearts, and her purse as well as words of friendly counsel responded generously at every call of need.

Twenty-six years ago after a long acquaintance and friendship she came to live at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Clay Terrell, at 2807 Dover Ave. She taught twenty terms in Brighton, and Brecksville. In off-hours her older pupils clustered about her and the younger ones clinging to her evidenced her sweet and gentle leadership. After this, some forty years ago, she entered the field of business. For many years she was in charge of the office of the Pittsburgh Coal Company; later manager of the Brooklyn Coal Company where she was employed up to last August.

For several years failing health had weighed heavily upon her and her friends could see that her daily tasks were performed with difficulty, but never a complaining word passed her patient lips.

At all time and everywhere she won her way into the hearts of her associates. On the occasion of her last birthday, which was Lincoln's birthday, her church people sent to her office for her. She come all-unaware of the surprise greeting that was awaiting her. The great birthday cake, the songs and congratulations and felicitous wishes for her welfare - she broke down in tears, but happy tears, overcome by all this evidence of the affection of her people.

Tonight the form of Mattie Bourne rests where loving hands returned it to its native soil, "The stars are watching overhead; Sleep sweet! Sleep sweet! Good night! Good Night!

Date: Jan 6 1932

Source: Source unknown; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #009.

Notes: Bourne: Martha D., age 75 years, residence, 2807 Dover Ave.; daughter of the late William and Armarrilia (nee Ring), sister of the late Almaretia Garman, Hamlin, Mary Brainard, Elwlyn and Hattie, Sunday a. m. Now at Mather's Parlors, 3227 W. 25th. Funeral Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 2 p. m., from Pearl Rd. M. E. Church. Interment Brecksville, O.