Lucinda (Phillips) Coddington

IN MEMORIAM.
Mrs. Lucinda Coddington.

Mrs. Lucinda Coddington, daughter of Isaac and Ruanza Phillips, was born in the year 1824, near Loveland, Ohio. In 1842, she was married to Mr. Samuel Coddington, with whom she lived very happily until his death, December 29, 1884. Of seven children born of this union, four are still living: Mr. Frank Coddington, of Union City, Indiana; Mr. Ellery Coddington, of Atwood, Illinois; Mrs. Ida Greely, of Lebanon, and Mr. George Coddington, of Morrow. All were present during their mother’s last hours and administered to her wants. Her sufferings were severe, but she bore all without complaint. Two days before her death, thinking that perhaps, the end was near, she talked calmly and freely with her sister, Mrs. S. L. Pettit, in regard to her future home, and calling her children around her, spoke to each, giving a mother’s last advice.

Her death occurred March 10. Funeral services, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Edward T. Swiggett, were held at her late home, in the presence of relatives and friends, and her remains were interred in the Maineville Cemetery.

Two streams flow quietly on from their source till they unite, and form a stronger, deeper current. Apart, they may enhance the fertility of the soil, and in their devious winding add picturesqueness to the landscape. But their practical usefulness extends little farther than to turn the creaking wheel of the old mill in the vale. United, the river, in its quieter depths, holds the power of bearing the commerce of a nation. Thus it flows on, increasing in capacity and usefulness, till the delta is reached. Once more it becomes two streams, each greatly augmented, and again they journey separately, presently to be reunited in the profound depths of the sea.

Nearly a half century has passed since the life currents of Samuel Coddington and Lucinda Phillips joined, to form a more useful stream – useful in the rich results achieved by more than half a lifetime, spent in serving the high purpose of the Director of the universe.

Departing, they leave behind them forces and influences, developed under the power of true and right principles, which shall still be exerted for good.

Long since, they avowed their faith in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ connecting themselves with the Baptist Church, in whose communion Mr. Coddington continued to the close of his earthly life. Men had not to ask if these were Christians. The blameless and simple home life, the high principle manifest in intercourse with others, winning the respect and esteem of everyone; - these were the tokens which proclaimed for better than words could do, that they “were not their own, but had been bought with a price,” willingly yielding themselves to the guidance of control of God.

To them were born seven children three of whom “fell asleep” before their parents. Three sons and a daughter remained to offer the ministrations of filial affection in the final sickness, and to close in peaceful sleep, the eyes which first looked on them in life.

The stream reached the delta December 19, 1884, when Mr. Coddington passed to rest. The current had divided and for little more than two years, Mrs. Coddington’s life flowed on in tranquil calm, but, as though somewhat had been wrested from her life which she hastened to regain, she failed, gradually at first, then more swiftly, until Thursday, March 10, 1887, when she entered the boundless realm of eternity.

February 21, 1886, Mrs. Coddington united with the Presbyterian church of Morrow, confessing afresh her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. In this faith she died, holding with serene confidence the assurance for life, would be enough for eternity.

At her old home a great concourse of the best men and women of the community thronged to do honor to her memory in the funeral service on the morning of Sabbath, March 13, 1887. While the soul dwelt in peace the tenantless frame was borne to the Maineville cemetery to await the day whose coming shall be the signal for the “dead in Christ to rise first.” – From the April Morrow Mirror.

Source: Lebanon Gazette 14 April 1887 [copy obtained from obituary collection at the Warren County Genealogical Society]

Samuel Coddington

Mr. Samuel Coddington, an old and highly esteemed gentleman residing four or five miles east of here, died last week. His honesty was proverbial.

Source: The Western Star 8 Jan 1885. [copy obtained from obituary collection at the Warren County Genealogical Society]

[also see photo of gravestone at Maineville Cemetery]