|
Rev. Norphie E. Bottom
Norphie Ernest Bottom, son of Henry S. and
Adeline Spence Bottom, was born near Anna, Ill., November 14, 1869 and
died at Volga City, Iowa, September 19, 1928; aged 58 years, 10 months,
and 10 days.
He was united in marriage to Martha Bell
Johnson, October 12, 1898. To this union six children were born, all of
whom with the mother, survive to mourn this first break in the family
ties. They are: Myron C., Knoxville, Tenn.; Merrill D. of Omaha,
Nebraska; Mrs. Merida Oliver of Willow Springs, Mo.; Morris E., of
Wilcox, Ariz.; Mildred R., of Knoxville, Tenn.; Milton F. of Lansing,
Iowa.
When a small child his parents emigrated to
Nebraska and homesteaded on land in then (Thayer) County. Owing to the
newness of the country many hardships were undergone by the people of
that time. From his early youth, he had been a sufferer from heart
disease and this malady greatly interfered with his plans and aims in
life.
Taking advantages of the meager school
facilities, he secured a common school education and attended State
Teachers College at Superior, Nebraska.
When a young man he returned to Illinois,
and for a time was engaged in newspaper work and school teaching. After
his marriage he returned to Nebraska and bought a newspaper, later
selling this and again teaching school. Always being a devoted
Christian, he answered the call and entered the ministry. Being a great
student and firm in his convictions, he attained remarkable success in
his Master's work.
Owing to failing health he retired from the
ministry in 1915, and for a short time was engaged in selling religious
books of his own authorship.
With his family growing up, he again entered
the newspaper field and taught three of his children that trade, three
of his sons now being engaged in the printing industry.
Feeling the call he again entered the
ministry and continued in that work until his death. Being a great
reader and taking special instructions under some of the world's
foremost Bible scholars, he gained considerable reputation for his
intimate knowledge of the great religious questions.
He was a devoted fundamentalist and prepared
several special lectures upon this issue. He was especially interested
in the question of Christ's second coming and devoted much time and
study to the subject. His clear and concise interpretation of this
little understood question brought him commendation from many students.
At the suggestion of some of the great Bible teachers he was preparing a
book upon this subject at the time of his death.
While engaged in newspaper work he had many
opportunities to obtain introductory copies of some of the world's
greatest books and at the time of his death had one of the largest
private libraries in the state. These books consisted chiefly of
religious, oratorical and historical works.
A few days before his death he was suddenly
stricken and owing to the weakened condition of his heart he was unable
to rally. He grew gradually weaker and on Wednesday morning, September
19, he passed quietly away. During his last illness he realized he
could not recover and told his devoted wife his only regrets at going
were leaving her and his unfinished work. The night before his death,
while in a semi-conscious state, he delivered one of his sermons and
shortly before his death told his wife that it would soon be over and
that it was only a matter of faith.
Short funeral services were conducted at the
home in Iowa by Dr. Hinkhouse of Mason City, and the body was taken to
Anna, Illinois for burial Thursday, September 20th. The funeral at the
grave in Ebenezer cemetery was conducted by Rev. Chas. Johnson.
(Note: Norphie was placed in a sealed casket
because he had died of diptheria, complicated by his weak heart. He was
taken by train from Iowa to Anna. His wife, Martha and son, Milton,
were quarantined.)
|
