Saturday, June 15, 1867 Oregon State Journal (Eugene, OR)
Volume: 4 Issue: 17 Page: 3

DIED

Died June 7th, 8107, at the residence of her son, Thomas Belshaw, in Eugene City, after an illness of three weeks, Mrs. Elizabeth Belshaw, aged 78 years.

Deceased was a native of Nottinghamshire, Englnd. In early life she became the subject of converting Grace and united with the Independent church. In the year 1834 she, with her husband and family, emigrated to America and settled in Indiana. She there changed her religious views, and together with her daughter, was baptised into the fellowship of the Baptist church. Some fourteen years ago she with her husband and a portion of her family, crossed the plains and settled in Lane county, Oregon. Shortly after she became a member of the Eugene City Baptist church, of which she remained a faithful and consistent member till the voice of her Master called her to that rest which remaineth for the people of God. Her delight was in the sanctuary, and upon every occasion of worship when her declining health would permit, her tottering form could be seen wending its way thither. She was always amongst the first that met at the sacred place. Mother Belshaw's character may be stated as consisting of ardent piety and practical benevolence. Her interest in the welfare of the church was deep and constant, and her zeal always active and earnest in every Christian enterprise. She was therefore with us, in very strong sense, a Mother in Israel. She had a warm sympathetic heart. While always deeply and specially interested in the church of which she was a member, her heart and hands were always ready to help in every good work. Her benevolence to those whom she found needing assistance was limited only by her means to render aid. To her children she was all that the cherished word "Mother" conveys to the mind; kind, doting, indulgent and self-sacrificing. She loved the society of all God's people. To her daughters-in-law, who was with her in her last illness, she frequently reverted to her youthful days in her happy English home, to the time when she first found Jesus precious to her soul. It was her best and brightest day in all her long life's history. For her former Pastor, Rev. Mr. Dawson, who was the means under God of leading her to embrace her Savior, she cherished strong Christian affection. On her death-bed she bore her sufferings with resigned Christian fortitude. She was never heard to murmur, and while permitted to converse with friends around her bed, she told them she was willing to go when the Messenger summoned her. She lay passive to the will of the Master she loved. She told a friend her desire was to have her lamp trimmed and burning, awaiting the coming of the Bridegroom. Upon one occasion she repeated that beautiful stanza of Watts:
"Jesus can make a dying bed
Feel soft as down pillows are;
While on his breast I lean my head
And breathe my life out sweetly there."
Once while contemplating her heavenly home, she repeated the verse throughout: "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle niether light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light; and they shall reign forever and ever." Rer. last chap. 5 h verse, and exclaimed, "what a promise!" She was unconscious about twelve hours before expiring; and when the loved spirit had taken its flight, and the body lay a lifeless corpse, her countenance bespoke a mind all serene. None that gazed upon it doubted that that peace with passeth all understanding, reigned within. She has left a large circle of acquaintances who mourn her loss; and those who knew her best, will lament her most. In her death the writer has lost a true friend, a dear companion, and a wise counselor. To her children she has left the priceless legacy of a Christian character. Mrs. Stan Stevenson.