Remembering TUOLUMNE...

By Joseph Celentano

TCMM Historical Research Committee

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This month’s article will focus on Maude Elizabeth Mitchell Prince, a native of Wisconsin, whose family was entrenched in the history of Tuolumne Township and the West Side Lumber Company. It is reprinted from the April 5, 1918 issue of The Tuolumne Prospector.

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“The funeral obsequies of Mrs. J.R. Prince were conducted in St Michael’s Church on Wednesday afternoon. The church so dear to her heart, so hallowed for her by sacred associations, was far too small to accommodate the large assemblage that gathered to pay homage to her memory. More stood in reverential silence outside the building than were able to find space in it.

“The death of Mrs. Prince, after an illness of less than a month, terminated a brave and patient struggle for life. While perfectly ready to acquire in whatever might be the Divine will, she sought to co-operate by her quiet, indomitable spirit with the unstinted efforts made for her recovery-efforts which included all that was within the compass of human powers, the affectionate attention of a devoted husband and family; removal to San Francisco hospital for the purpose of operation; and the assistance of the best medical skill on the coast.

“Yet, although the final outcome was death, it was far from being defeat. Throughout her critical illness her characteristic unselfishness and thoughtfulness for others manifested itself. Not even suffering could stay the expression of her innate kindness.

“By her departure, both the church and the community have suffered an irreparable loss. It is difficult to see how she can well be replaced. Combining in her unique and modest personality unusual qualities of strength and grace, her influence has been the greatest social asset Tuolumne has possessed. Hers was a finely balanced character, mentally and morally. Of no one whom we have known could it more truthfully be said that she lived with malice toward none and with charity toward all. In her unobtrusive yet delicately diplomatic way she was a recognized peacemaker; by which token it may be infallibly known that she was a true daughter of God.

“She may be gone to her reward; but the knowledge of her queenly worth remains to her husband and children a priceless and never to be forgotten legacy. The loss of a spirit as hers leaves any community poor indeed. The unusual abundance of floral tokens gave unmistakable evidence of a feeling of universal bereavement.

“Such expression, too, of public sorrow and sense of loss was eminently fitting for one whose life so plainly bloomed with Christian graces.

“Mrs. Prince died at San Francisco Hospital, having been taken there about three weeks ago.

“Mrs. Prince is survived by her husband, John R. Prince, and five children - Eugene, Jack, Guy, Dick and Lucy.

“Interment is in Carters Cemetery, Tuolumne.” [rt0407]