She died 110 years ago and was only 31. So young and beautiful, she really was lovely.
It says on her death certificate that she died from complications from womb surgery. Perhaps she had a c-section and bled out or died during child birth. Medicine was still so archaic back then.
She had at least two children, that I know of. Robert was my great grandfather. And Clara was her daughter. My grandma was named after her aunt Clara and my daughter was named after her.
An interesting thing about Flora Belle that I learned is that she inadvertently saved our family line. In December 1903, the family had tickets to go to a play at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago. It was brand new and beautiful and touted as "fireproof." Well, she was ill and the family didn't end up going and the theater (the fireproof one) burned down that day trapping nearly all of the theater goers inside. You see the doors opened inside and when the fire started everyone rushed to the doors and they could not be opened. Had my great great grandmother been well that day, my family may well have perished inside and I would not be here today.
We visited her grave at Spring Grove cemetery and saw the Burton family plot. I tried to brush the grass and debris from the stone and my girls picked and put flowers on her grave. Emily added the middle dandelion so she could make a wish. I wish I could talk to Flora Belle and thank her for giving us life. I wish she had lived til a ripe old age.
Visiting her and my ancestors makes me ponder life and death and purpose. It makes me somber. Still have much to do. Hope I am given the time and that I don't squander it.
What a lovely memorial. I enjoyed reading about Flora Belle and wonder what she would think about people from around the globe seeing her grave site and reading her life story. Quite awesome.
What a story you've shared about your Grandmother Flora's role in saving the family. Your thoughts and feelings are similar ones to what I feel when I visit the resting places of my forefathers. I'm sure she would be touched by your girls' thoughtful flowers.
It's so nice you have this bit of family history. My mother says her paternal grandmother had the sixth sense, but grandma didn't like her and destroyed all the old newspapers that talked about her. My mom has a touch of it, but none here.
Wonderful photo and story about your great great grandmother. Her story reminds me that God sees "the big picture" and things (even bad things) can be meant for good.
Sometimes I get despondent too when I think of many people I have known and they are all dead! The gravestone is all that is left! However its nice to put flowers on and think of them! Good that you know her story!
How sweet of your girls to decorate her grave. I think it gives our lives purpose if we ponder how we use our days, because it one is a gift... but I don't want to dwell too long on the shady side of the street. :) A thoughtful narrative.
Although sad that she died at such a young age, what a beautiful story! I have been into family ancestry/history for years and it is always so interesting to hear stories like this. How lovely to add the dandelions.....this photo really moves me.
So interesting and poignant Amanda. Flora Belle, what a truly beautiful name and as the name means beautiful flower how appropriate that your children placed flowers on her grave.
What a wonderful piece of history you have found here....and, such a story to go with it. Funny how life works, isn't it?! She did save the family tree, but 31 just seems like such an incredibly young age to die....then, again, I think that was pretty commonplace back then when they did not have the diagnostics, the surgical tools, and the antibiotics we have today.
