Miss Esther Van Sickle, whose death was briefly noted in the Gazette Tuesday night, succumbed to bronchial difficulty at her home, 43 Sussex street, at 2:45 o’clock, on Tuesday afternoon, after an illness since October 15, 1900. Occasionally, during her illness, Miss Van Sickle was able to be about the house but the major part of the time she was confined to her bed. Although she suffered intense pain, she bore her affliction with remarkable patience and resignation.
Notwithstanding that there had been but slight hope of her recovery, her friends and relatives hoped against hope, consequently her death was sudden and caused a gloom of despair to hover over those to whom she had endeared herself.
Miss Van Sickle was 28 [sic] years of age. She was born at Sparrowbush on October 19th, 1877 and was the second eldest daughter of Emmet Van Sickle and the late Charlotte A. Boyd. She attended school at Sparrowbush until she was eight years of age, when her parents moved to this village. She entered the public schools here and displayed a remarkable aptitude for learning. She was an exceptionally brilliant pupil and mastered her studies by assiduously applying her energy to her tasks. Her merited reward was received in 1897 when she graduated with honor from the Port Jervis academy.
Miss Van Sickle possessed the many qualifications essential to make a character worthy of emulation. She had refined, cultured tastes and although she was modest and retiring her friendship was highly valued by those who enjoyed an acquaintance or companionship with her. She had considerable musical talent, her Inclinations being toward the violin with which Instrument she has delighted warm friends by her exquisite playing of difficult compositions.
She was a member of the congregation of the Presbyterian church and of the Young Peoples; Society of Christian Endeavor of the Baptist church. Her sudden demise will be deeply regretted In the social and religious circles of the village with which she was prominently identified.
The death Is a most sad one, because of the demise of her mother on April 21st, less than nine months ago. This bereavement Is attributed to have been a factor in hastening her death, for since the loss of her mother, her worry and sorrow were terrible In her dally life.
She is survived by her father and the following brothers and sisters: Emma, wife of Dr. Charles O. Wilkin; Charlotte, Jessie, Jennie, Edgar and Eleanor, all of whom are at home.
The funeral will be held at the late home of the deceased on Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Revs G. E. Gillespie and W. E. Foote will officiate. The interment will be In Laurel Grove cemetery.
Source: Port Jervis Evening Gazette, January 9, 1901.
