Melvina L. " Melvinie" Pattee (1843-1916)
(Mrs. Constantine C. "Constance" Pattee)
A copy of the following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
Melvina L. Pattee was born at Door Village, LaPorte County, Ind., June 8, 1843, and grew to young womanhood with her parents at the place of her birth. She was married to Constantine C. Pattee at her home, January 8, 1866 when she was 23 years of age. She then came to West Creek Township and resided for about four years on the state line in the Knisely neighborhood. They then moved to the farm two miles west of Lowell, where they resided until 1876 and where all their children were born. They then came to Lowell, where she resided until her death, which occurred Friday, December 1, at the age of 73 years, 5 months, and 23 days. She suffered a paralytic stroke about eight months ago which deprived her of the use of her lower limbs, and she was also afflicted with hardening of the arteries and a dropsical condition, which was the immediate cause of her death. She was unable to lie down during all these months but endured all her suffering patiently and with a hope that she would be better. Towards the last of her sickness she gave up hope and said she was ready to go; that she only hated to leave her loved ones here, but they would soon follow her, and she would be as happy with the loved ones that had gone before. Mrs. Pattee united with the M.E. church 30 years ago and has led a consistent Christian life. She acted as steward of the church for about 12 years, and in said office did very valuable work. She was a loving wife and mother and was dear to the hearts of her many friends. One child, Otis C., the oldest of the family, passed to the other world in infancy. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Constantine C. Pattee, one son, Arthur C. Pattee, one daughter, Nora L. Pattee, one sister, Mrs. Emily J. Koplin, Canton, Kansas, two brothers, George W. and James C. Pattee, Laporte, Ind., and many nieces and nephews, who were nearly all present at the funeral services, which were held from the home on Washington street, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. The services were attended by a large number of friends and relatives. The Ladies' Aid of the M.E. Church attended in a body. A profusion of flowers were brought by loving hands that at all times during her sickness did everything in their power to add to the comfort of the departed one and while everything that medical skill and loving tender care could perform was done, nothing could prevent The Great Reaper from gathering in his grasp the ripened grain of the harvest. John Castle had charge of the burial service. The following acted as pall bearers: Benjamin and Elmore Pattee of Laporte; Munger and Chester Saylor, of Hebron, and Roy and Gilbert Pattee. Those attending from out of town were: her brothers, Geo. and James Pattee, of Laporte; her sister, Mrs. Emily J. Koplin, Canton, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Solon Hayden and son, Merwin, of Washington Heights, Ill.; Richard Saylor and family and James Robinson and family of Hebron; Albert Maack and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Kobelin and Miss Carrie Kobelin, of Crown Point; Mr. and Mrs. Astle, Miss Rhoda Grimes and Charles Bukowski, of Momence, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chappell, Grant Park; Mrs. H.C. Batterman and daughter, of Dyer; Frank B. Patte, Crown Point.