9.5.15

Matilda Terry Ennis

Matilda Terry Ennis,
Artist drawing; note
facial feature of dimple at lip
and downward tilt of lip;
found in her children but
also children of her brothers.
MAH, 2015
Matilda Terry was the daughter of William Terry and Barbara Ennis Terry. She was born
Jan. 5, 1822 in Gibson County, Indiana and died  August 11, 1904 at the Ennis Farm, Oak Ridge, Barry Co., Missouri.
 
In 1839 she married at age 17 Elisha C Ennis at Prairie, Madison, Arkansas.
 
In one letter dated 9 Nov. 1877, William's daughter, Matilda Terry Ennis, is said to "be one of our liveliest preachers" and a "Northern Methodist". It is possible she was a "deaconess" or merely a very active church woman, but it is interesting to note that in the Holiness Movement of the same period noted Phoebe Palmer, for example, was part of many revival efforts in the New York period from as early as 1857. This reveals a trend toward greater female participation - and some acceptance of the same - among some groups of Methodists.

Her obituary penned by her son, Methodist minister, Rev. John Wesley Ennis, had this to say about her: My Mother

Grandma Ennes, as she was called, was a native of IN, her parents moving west when she was young. Her parents' name was Barbara Ennis & William Terry. She was their 8th child. They named her Matilda.

She was converted when thirteen years old, joined the M E church where she claimed membership till death called her home.

She was married to Elisha Ennes in Arkansas, to which union was added eleven children, eight boys and three girls, four of them were called before her. The others are living east of Cassville near the old home where the family owns one acre of land as a burying ground. The father and mother and about thirty relatives are laid to rest.

My mother was 82 years old last January 5. For many years she had been in poor health, had been treated w/the best care we could give.

About three weeks ago her declining health was such she took her bed. The family, fearing the result, sent for me near Monett and I went at once to see her. The last ten days were with her all the time till death came and ended her suffering. It was my deepest desire that mother should retain her faculties so she could tell us what she desired, for we all wish to hear our friends tell how Eternity opens before them.

But O, sad to say, mother could not speak for two days. Over and over I bent above her dear old form hoping she would call my name once more. Her faded eyes would look at me but no word was uttered. My heart would almost break as I walked away, the tears falling from my eyes. Again I desired that she might die like one going to sleep but awful to say such untold suffering as she bore to the last moment.

I can only say good by Dear Mother.

J. W. Ennes
25 Aug 1904 Cassville Republican

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