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Clayton County Obituaries
BOTTOM
Volga, IA -- 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, TN;
Merrill D. of Omaha, Neb.; Mrs. Merida Oliver of Willow Springs, MO.; Morris E. of Wilcox, Ariz.; Mildred R. of
Knoxville, TN; Milton F. of Lansing, Iowa. When a small child his parents emigrated to Neb. and homesteaded on
land in Thair (Thayer) County. Owing to the newness of this 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, Neb.
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 Neb. 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. 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 taken by train after his death in Iowa to Illinois
in a sealed casket. He had died from diptheria, complicated by his weak heart. His wife, Martha and son Milton
were quarantined. Contributed by granddaughter, Anna Bottom Newell)
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