SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE

OF CATHERINE MINSON

 

BY HER DAUGHTER-IN-LAW,

MRS. ARTHUR MINSON.

Monday, Jan 11, 1904

 

 

"Catherine" was really a huge name for this frail little English girl weighing less than one hundred pounds, but nevertheless, it certainly personified her spiritual make-up  -  pure and benevolent.  She was never referred to as a pretty girl but she was always admired by everyone.

 

Educational opportunities were scarce to the pioneer girls and Catherine's education was much neglected in her youth.  At the age of fifteen she met Thomas Minson, a very cultured young man.  Although she realized her inferiority from an intellectual standpoint, yet she accepted his proposal for marriage with a firm determination to educate herself to a point where she could converse intelligently with her husband and retain his love and devotion.

 

All during her married life, Catherine was noted for her persistence in learning despite the fact that she had thirteen children and made a good deal of the living.  For many years she operated a small confectionery store and bakery for which she cooked the bakery goods and made the ice cream.  She was always generous with her skill in aiding the sick children of the community.

 

Above her work table and in her apron pocket you could often find a copy of the multiplication tables, words and their definitions, quotations from the Bible, Shakespeare, or other eminent authors.  While her tiny hands were molding the bread or doing the routine household duties, her mind was actively engaged in mastering the higher things of life.  Before she lived half a century she was considered a well-educated pioneer mother and was greatly admired because of her accomplishments.

 

Catherine's greatest trial and sacrifice came shortly after her eighth child John was born (30 Sep 1881). Just at a time when she most needed the support and devotion of her husband she was asked to share him with another woman.  She realized that to refuse would be displeasing in the sight of the Lord, so she consented with sincere faith that God would lighten her heavy heart and give her courage to face the situation.

 

For days and weeks, Catherine planned a pleasant homecoming for the new bride.  (Aug 10, 1882)  She added attractive little touches to the bedroom which she and her husband had occupied for so many years, and which she intended to give to the new bride and the man she dearly loved.  She artistically decorated the home with garden flowers and prepared a delicious wedding supper.  The occasion was a joyous one and the Lord did bless Catherine for it was not until evening, when everyone had retired and she went to her lonely room did she feel her first real heartache.  Her spirit was willing but the flesh was weak.  However, she constantly kept a prayer in her heart for courage to endure without murmuring what the Lord had seen fit for her to pass through.  She tried hard to be the kind of wife, mother, and

friend the Lord would have her be, and it was not long until she learned to love the new bride. (19 yr old Sarah Ann Taylor.)

 

  

click on picture for more on Sarah Taylor Minson.

 Two years after the marriage, the second wife had her first child

(Sep 18, 1884).  Catherine devotedly nursed her and served her as she would have her own daughter, but within a week the shadow of death crossed the threshold and both the mother and baby were called to the great beyond  (Sep 22, 1884).  Catherine mourned her loss but the fact she had been a devoted servant was a comfort to her.

 

Thomas and Catherine Minson Family
about 1891

Standing left to right: John, Frank, Arthur Grace Ellen, Catherine Maria

Seated: Eliza, Thomas, Catherine, Joseph

Lap infant: Jesse (born Nov 1890)

Kneeling:  David and Samuel

(1893 May:)  A few months before Catherine's thirteenth child was born she was called upon to make another sacrifice.  Her husband left for England on a mission (1892) and during his absence she shouldered entire responsibility of rearing her family; and with the help of the older children, finance the home and sent money to her husband.  The Lord blessed them greatly during this time and the children benefited by the sacrifices they were called to make.  Later in life, Catherine experienced the joy of being able to send three of her sons on missions and all of her family were married in the house of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

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