| Notes |
- The Centreville Observille Observer
For many weeks the people of Centreville have anxiously watched the condition of Mrs. Hascall and prayed for her recovery to health and strength. Few if any homes that have not had evidence of her thoughtful consideration. Those in need turned to her as their unfailing friend, those in joy delighted in having her share their pleasure, those in sorrow received from her some token of her sympathy, a tender little note accompanied by a bunch of flowers, arranged as only she knew how to bring out their full beauty; for everyone she had some kindly act; kindliness and helpfulness seemed to radiate from her. So when it became known on Monday evening that she had finished her mission, sorrow was in every heart. Her life has been one of service: from her young womanhood her first consideration has been for others.
And flowers! How she loved them and how her garden in her healthful days was a riot of color and beauty, not laid out in exact plats and filled with stiff designs so conventional as to be almost painful, but it went wandering away, every turn disclosing some new harmony, some happy surprise. Away in a dark corner was some plant that lighted it up like an exquisite gem while out in the bright sunshine were those "Smiles of God" that enhanced its beauty. Everywhere was harmony and beauty, without the primness or precision that is man-like but never like God's harmony of nature. God had given her that love of his works that made her in complete harmony with nature and her garden was but symbolical of her nature and life: always beautiful, always harmonious, always helpful.
Mrs. Hascall was born in Switzerland May 27, 1838, and died at her beautiful home in Centreville on Monday Evening, July 6, 1914, aged 76 years, 1 month, 9 days. In 1856 the family emigrated to this country and came directly to Centreville, which they have always regarded as their home. Here she spent her young womanhood until she bagan teaching and for many years was occupied in that calling and in traveling for she was much in demand as a traveling companion. She spoke four languages, was a fine business woman and highly educated, an ideal educator, companion and friend. Her travels were very extensive, embracing nearly every country on the globe. Her great privileges never changed her nature: she was ever the same unassuming, delightful person that never forgot a friend or considered herself superior.
In 1856 she was married to Volney Hascall, of Kalamazoo, who was editor and proprietor of the Kalamazoo Gazette for thirty-five years. Mr. Hascall died in about 1878. On July 6, 1880, she was married to Leonidas H. Hascall. a half brother of her first husband.
For two years they resided in Kalamazoo and then came to Centreville to be among her own people and here she has resided since. Her love for Centreville and its people never waned: she was first in every good work and there are scores of things on every hand to evidence her love and generosity. Our side-walk to the depot and cemetery were made possible through the generosity of herself and sister Mrs. Thomas.
Mr. Hascall died August 26, 1911, after a very long and most trying illness. She was his constant nurse; no one could meet his wishes as could she and she sacrificed herself for him. There is peculiar significance and harmony in her release from human life on the anniversary of her marriage.
For the past two winters she has gone with her sister and brother and wife to California and how she did enjoy the land of winter flowers and sunshine, and yet she never recovered from the sorrow of Mr. Hascall's death and has only been waiting for reunion..
Of the original family of seven children but four are now living - Adolph, Mrs Julia B. Thomas, Eugene and Augustus, all of Centreville. There are 23 nephews and nieces, all of whom were as dear to her as own children.
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New York Passenger Lists
Ship William Penn frm Le Havre, France, arrived New York 5 Jun 1868
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1838 - 1914 (76 years)
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