Copyright © 2004 Submitted by: Jan Cortez This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Pioneer Magnet: January 27, 1881 In the town of Morton, Mecosta County, Mich., of diptheria, Dec. 26th, 1880, ANNIE, aged 8 years, 6 months and 8 days; and on the 30th of the same month, and year, of the same disease, GERTIE, aged 6 years, 6 months and 9 days, both children of ALFRED and MARY E. PIERCE, the latter being their youngest daughter. Thus in less than one short week, two flowers are taken from one family, and are transferred to and transplanted in a brighter garden. Little Annie said, when she saw the tearful faces about her bedside, "Do not weep; I'm going to be with Jesus, lover of my soul;" and when they came to the line, "Oh receive my soul at last," she clasped her little hands and sweetly sank into that sleep which on earth knows no waking. Thus, without a thought of fear, those little ones went out into the "great unknown," because they knew that Jesus loved them. Can any, except those that have suffered a like bereavement, picture that lonely group as they gather around the family fireside, with two of their number gone? Who can tell the anguish of that Mother's heart, as she misses the bright faces and merry voices of her loved ones - the willing hands that were so willing to help mama? But she knows that her treasures are in safe keeping, that the Heavenly Father will guard them with tender care until He shall say to the sorrowing parents, "It is enough; come up higher," and they join their loved ones in that beautiful land, to go no more out forever. Who can doubt that they have accomplished their mission here, in drawing our hearts from earth to heaven?