Grundy County IL Archives Obituaries.....Atwater, Abigail Hull 1884
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com April 1, 2007, 7:23 pm

Morris Herald, Nov 1884
Death of Abigail Hull Atwater

Died - In Morris, Sunday night, November 2d, Mrs. Abigail H. Atwater. Her 
funeral services were attended in the Presbyterian church, Wednesday afternoon 
at 2 o'clock, her pastor, Rev. F.W. Adams, officiating. The theme of the 
funeral sermon was, "A Mission of a Quiet Life," from John 1:47.

The above, which records the death of Mrs. A.H. Atwater, deserves more than a 
passing notice. In her death the community loses one of its most respected and 
valuable members; the Presbyterian church one of its most highly esteemed 
members and one of its earnest supporters, and the home circle one whose 
presence was a blessing, in the fullest sense, to children and grandchildren 
who now mourn her absence. One week ago last Sunday Mrs. Atwater attended 
church morning and night, as usual, and seemed in excellent health. Monday 
afternoon she drove out with a friend and made a call upon an old 
acquaintance, and afterward, while riding, she was stricken with paralysis. 
Since that time until her death except semi-conscious moments when she seemed 
to recognize her friends, her bodily vitality grew less and less until last 
Sunday night at 8 o'clock, she quietly fell asleep. To-day her mortal form 
rests in the grave awaiting the resurrection.

Mrs. A.H. Atwater was born near Vergennes, Vermont, May 6, 1808, consequently 
her age at the time of her death was 76 years, 5 months and 7 days. Early in 
her youth her home was changed to Connecticut, on the shores of the Long 
Island Sound. While living there she was married to Samuel Hull, and with him 
in the same year removed to Ohio. It was about this time that she united with 
the Presbyterian church. Sometime just previous to 1846 she removed with her 
husband to La Fayette, Indiana, where they remained until some time in that 
year when they removed to Morris, Ill. In 1851 Mr. Hull died leaving her with 
a large family. A few years later she was married to Isaac P. Atwater. Mr. 
Atwater died December 1, 1860. To her children and grandchildren her life has 
been that of a mother in its fullest sense. Of Mr. Atwater, the records of the 
Presbyterian church bear the following tribute: "Mr. Atwater was a liberal 
supporter of the gospel; an active member of the church, promptly in his place 
at the prayer meeting as well the stated ministrations of the sanctuary. His 
death was sudden and his loss deeply felt in the church of Christ."

When Mr. and Mrs. Atwater came to Morris there was neither church nor school 
house. Feeling the deprivation of religious services keenly they consulted 
with others and decided to secure the services of a minister to preach, which 
decision was realized and for a time all religious beliefs united in the 
support of a minister. But desiring, with others, that there should be 
services and a church organization of the Presbyterian faith and polity, on 
the 7th day of November, 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Atwater and their daughter; Mr. 
and Mrs. Brice and their daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Rainey were organized into 
a Presbyterian church, and Mr. Atwater was installed an elder of the church. 
He lived to see and help the church through all its first struggles and then 
suddenly he entered into rest. Until the present time the interest which his 
wife felt with him in the growth and prosperity of the Presbyterian church has 
never ceased. In attendance upon the services of the church, and by practical 
help, she has ever manifested her interest in its welfare, as was seen during 
the last month of her life, in her anxiety that the proposed change in the 
financial methods of the church should succeed.

Some of the traits of christian character of Mrs. Atwater were her marked 
christian trust; her practical, thoughtful regard and love for the church; and 
her practical interest in christian benevolence. Her home traits are ever seen 
in her example as a christian mother; her youthful spirit; and her earnest 
diligence in every home duty. Her life in its close was a quiet ripening for 
eternity. She leaves only a blessed memory in the mind of her pastor, the 
church and her home circle.

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