Hopkins Co., TX - Obit - Mrs. Elizabeth Minerva Ashcroft 1880 ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: June E. Tuck USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** From the files of June Tuck ASHCROFT, ELIZABETH MINERVA, MRS. - Died at the residence of her son-in-law, Wm. A. Wortham, on the 30th day of July, 1880. She was the widow of the Dr. L. H. Ashcroft, and daughter of James and Phoeba Nelson, was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, November 11, 1808. She went down to her grave as a shock of corn full ripe, having lived to the age of 72 years. She, with her husband, moved to Shelby County, Texas, in 1838, where they remained until December, 1851, when they moved to Tyler, Smith County, where in 1853, Dr. Ashcroft died, leaving her with a young family of sons and daughters to rear and educate. Being a lady of very strong traits of character, one that never looked on the dark side, she began preparing her children for usefulness, remembering at all times that she could only work aright as God helped her. How well she succeeded in making a living for her family and educating her children can better be told by the high positions her sons and daughters now occupy in society. She impressed upon her children, and upon all with whom she associated, that it was folly to despair while God's world, in all its goodness, was spread out around us. She was a member of the Baptist Church. For seven months previous to her death she was confined to her bed, but during the whole time she never murmured. When she felt that death was near she requested her attending physicians not to give her opiates - that she wanted to die in her senses. Thus passed from earth to heaven one of the noblest heroicness of earth, whose life was laid as a willing offering on the altar of God and her children. Her blessed memory will not be soon forgotten, and the influence that she wielded for good will live forever. Wrote by her pastor. (Loose obituary)