1/19/1868 – 3/21/1951
Elizabeth Belle Van Eaton was born January 19, 1868, in San Jose, California, and died March 21, 1951, at 29 Renz Road, Mill Valley, California.
From Jane Hildebrand:
Her mother, Jane Stuart McCallum, died when Elizabeth Belle (Mammee to the family in later life) was eight. When she was a teenager (I’m guessing about her age), she went to church one Sunday and since the program included the baptizing of parishoners, she decided to do so also. When she was asked to give her name she said “Elizabeth Belle”. Her father was very disappointed when she told him because her parents had named her at birth “Lizzie Isabella”. She thought that it was just a family nickname. Too bad it’s charming , musical.
Comments about Elizabeth Belle (Van Eaton) Simpson excerpted from:
A History of the Bailey Family
By Henry Bailey
I could go on and write about my Aunt Belle, who was as different from the other two as night from day. They were both highly intelligent people, who used their minds. She was strictly a bundle of prejudices and sentiment, sure she knew what was best for everyone, and yet generous, and warm hearted. Except for her, I would doubt the expression “a green thumb”, yet every plant and shrub and flower grew for her in unbelievable profusion.
Letters from Mammee to her mother-in-law, Mary McFarland Simpson in 1892.
Letter from Mamme to Mary Simpson. dated March 8, 1893
Poem written by Mammee on March 8th, 1925.
The earth has been refreshed,
And Nature's garb is all so green.
The Flowers bloom upon her breast,
So we who follow in her wake
Have never a thot to make us forsake
The Faith that comforts us so soon,
And gives to one and all, the courage
to face life's hardest call,
And live to give to those whose
strength is small
The courage to pursue an upward course,
Where sits enthroned The Ruler,
By whose love we learn Life's lesson,
And, learning our own, our strength renew.Written by Mother (Mammee), March 8, 1925, Santa Barbara.
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50th Wedding Anniversary articles for Mamme and Lynn C. Simpson.
Elizabeth Belle Simpsons grave stone and Funeral Service Announcements.
