Joanna Elizabeth Claxton Hoover
Submitted by Judy Damewood May 31, 2010
The Southern Idaho Independent, Paris, Idaho Territory, Friday, February 26, 1886 had the following correspondence from Montpelier dated Feb. 22, 1886:
It is with
feelings of sorrow for our esteemed friend Dr. C.A. Hoover in his sad
bereavement that I acquaint you with the loss of his estimable wife, Joanna
Elizabeth Claxton Hoover, who died this morning at 10 a.m. of disease of the
heart after a sickness of only about two days. She leaves two children, also a
large circle of relatives and friends in Washington, DC. She was born the 31st
day of March 1853 in Washington, DC and came to reside in Montpelier in April
1883, since which time she has formed many fond attachments. She was a devoted
wife, a loving and indulgent mother, a true friend and an obliging neighbor.
The many friends of the Doctor condole with him in his sad bereavement. D.
Osbourn. Deseret News and Washington, DC Papers please copy.
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And additionally the Southern Idaho Independent, Paris, Idaho Territory, Friday, March 5, 1886, had the following in the form of a letter to the editor, dated Montpelier, March 1, 1886:
I presume last on Wednesday the 24 ult. our town was the scene of the “largest funeral” ever witnessed in Bear Lake Valley, which was occasioned by the sudden death of the much respected and very estimable wife of Dr. C.A. Hoover who departed this life Monday 22nd ult. at 10:30 a.m. of paralysis of the heart. Mrs. Hoover had been sick but two days, but not until Monday morning was her case considered serious. No sooner was her death announced that the house was filled to overflowing with friends desiring to do something to assist in taking care of her remains and comforting the bereaved ones.
Wednesday at 2 p.m. was appointed for the funeral when three hundred people assembled in and about the school house to pay their last tribute of respect to their departed friend. The services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Boyd, who in connection with H. S. Woolley made very appropriate remarks. The choir under the direction of Mesdames Underwood and Smith rendered some choice hymns. Under the efficient management of Br. David Osborn a procession was formed with Minister Boyd in the lead, then hearse followed by the pall bearers, immediate friends of the Doctor. Next the Doctor and his motherless son Eddie with team driven by Bro. Solen Robison, who for two or three days has so kindly volunteered his time with the Doctor in trying to console and comfort him. Then came the Knights of Labor on foot, 34 in number of which order Mr. Hoover is a member who could be distinguished by their regalia of mourning. Behind them were teams numbering 37 in all, loaded down with friends of the deceased.
Notwithstanding the weather was very cold there must have been over 200 persons who followed the corpse to its last resting place which was put away in a handsome casket. In fact it seemed that everybody held the lady in such high esteem they could not do enough to manifest their high regard and comfort and console the Doctor in his great affliction. Indeed the whole affair reflects great credit upon the people of Montpelier and other places. Yet no more than the Doctor has merited by his being ever ready to run at the beck and call of anybody, whether they were in a position to pay him for his labor or not, and if I am not infringing too much, Mr. Editor, in behalf of our friend, C.A. Hoover, I desire to thank one and all who so generally manifested their sympathy for him and trust that the Almighty will not be pleased soon to call upon us for a similar occurrence.
Again 'dear friends' one and all I thank you. Respectfully, J. A. Barrett.