Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 May 1891 — Death of Mrs. May Hawkins. [ARTICLE]

Death of Mrs. May Hawkins.

The people of Rensselaer were shocked last Saturday to learn the un expected news that Mrs. Lulu May Hawkins, oldest daughter of our county treasurer, Dr. I. B. Washburn, was dead. Very few had previously been aware that she was not in usual health. On Wednesday before her death she underwent a severe and dangerous surgical operation, at the Women’s Hospital, in Chicago, so r the removal of an internal tumor, from which shejjhad suffered greatly for years. The operation for several days, gave every promise of a successful conclusion, but on Friday afternoon blood poisoning, the dread enemy of all surgery, manifested itself, and before husband or relatives could reach her side, it had done its fatal work. The remains were brought to Rensselaer for interment in Weston cemetery. The funeral was fceld at her father’s house, Sunday afternoon, Rev. T: F. .Drake conducting the funeral services. The deceased was born in Cass Co. this state, and her age was only 26 years and 6 days. She went to California about 9 years ago, for the benefit of her health, and has made her home in that state the most of the time since. She there married James E. Hawkins in 1885; and there joined the M. E. church in 1882. Her early and untimely death is a sad blow to her loving husband and sorrowing parents.