STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 1905, p.3, c.6. HANNAH MATILDA JANE CASTELL, 28 Sep 1840 - 07 Jan 1905 HANNAH MATILDA JANE CASTELL , eldest daughter of John and Hannah Castell, was born in Warwick Shire, England, Sept. 28, 1840, and fell asleep in Jesus at her late home near Angola, Ind., Jan. 7, 1905. She came to this country with her parents when but a small child, and has since lived in or near Angola, and was well known and highly esteemed by the people of this vicinity. She was a very positive character, always true to her convictions of right and ever ready to give a helping hand and words of cheer to every worthy person or cause when in her power to do so. To this many persons in this vicinity can testify. In fact she enjoyed this work to a marked degree, and sometimes going beyond her strength for the sole purpose of being helpful to others, thus showing her devotion to Him who, in early life she had given her heart, being converted at the age of eleven years, and soon thereafter joined the body of the first M. E. church in Angola, a congregation at that time of less than forty members and as I have been told, with no house of worship, the services being held in the old court house. Prayer meetings were held at the homes of the members, and although quite young Miss Castell took up her share of the work and for more than fifty years kept her identity with this society, seldom being absent from a service when able to attend, and when not present was often in service for the Master by assisting someone in time of need. Truly her life was an active one, and many will miss her as the days come and go. Her death must have been ordained by the good Father above, for all that medical aid coupled with constant, loving care could do, was done, but with no real benefit. Slowly but surely the sands of life were passing away. She was satisfied to leave the issue in the hands of the Lord, saying to those about her that "If it was His will to take her home, it was well, and if for her to remain with His decree, it was right, as she was quite willing to serve Him longer if needs be." But she has gone---her work is finished. The vacant spot in her late home is keenly realized and severely felt, there being but one relieving thought, that "our loss is her eternal gain." That her death may be sanctified by God and prove a blessing in disguise for all of us in our prayer and hope. Of her immediate family there are left two sisters and two brothers, four nephews, six nieces and many other relatives to mourn. To those the sympathy of the community goes out, as was attested by the large concourse of people attending the last sad rites, also by the many and beautiful floral offerings. She is at rest. STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1905, p.3, c.6. A TRIBUTE TO M. H. CASTELL We were surprised to learn that Miss Hannah Castell was suddenly removed by death. We have had the pleasure of knowing her and the Castell family since 1869. From our first acquaintance we were impressed with their fidelity to the church and untiring devotion to their friends. Miss Hannah was somewhat eccentric, yet a warmer, truer heart never pulsated in a human bosom. When the last brother remaining at home died, Hannah assumed the duties of looking after the interests of the farm, and managed the business, assisted by her sister Anna, with great credit to themselves. Together they have lied and kept the home left them by their father, John Castell. Hannah was a woman that but few appreciated. Her reserved manner was of that character which concealed her many virtues, and her moral and religious qualities were only appreciated at their real value by her more intimate acquaintances. She was an example of steadfastness to duty seldom encountered, and her place in the church was rarely vacant, not withstanding the long distance she had to travel. Her uncle, Elias Nichols, (now deceased) paid this tribute to her and her sister Anna. He said: "They are pure gold." We have lost a friend, but though departed, a thousand memories linger `round, while tears confess its sweetness. Rev. A. Cone ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Hannah Matilda Jane Castell (spinster), 28 Sep 1840 - 07 Jan 1905, daughter of John Castell, 03 Aug 1814 - 15 Oct 1892 and Hannah (Stanley) Castell, 26 Sep 1810 - 05 Dec 1885. SIBLINGS: John Castell, 05 Jul 1837 - 23 May 1915, married Adelaide (Johnson) Castell, 1837 - 1915. They are buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Steuben County, Indiana. Adelaide was the daughter of Ebenezer Johnson, 10 Apr 1811 - 02 Feb 1904, and his 1st wife, Maryett (___) Johnson, who died 04 Sep 1870. They are buried at Old Angola Cemetery, Angola, Steuben County, Indiana. Thomas Stanley Castell, 01 May 1839 - 11 Jul 1906, married Anna Jeanette (Parish) Castell, 30 Mar 1858 - 31 Jan 1945. They are buried at Circle Hill Cemetery, Angola, Steuben County, Indiana. David Castell, 24 Sep 1842 - 17 Dec 1888. He is buried at Circle Hill Cemetery. Ann/Anne/Anna Elizabeth Castell (spinster), 1844 - 1917. She is buried at Circle Hill Cemetery. Jane Matilda (Castell) Stayner, 28 Mar 1847 - 15 Apr 1914, married William Leroy Stayner, 06 Jul 1847 - 07 Nov 1922. They are buried at Jackson Prairie Cemetery, Steuben County, Indiana. William was the son of Milton Stayner, 12 Dec 1829 - 09 Apr 1911, and Eliza Jane (Campbell) Stayner, 21 Feb 1828 - 21 Oct 1883. They are buried at Jackson Prairie Cemetery. "Cemeteries of Steuben County, Indiana, 1990," by Audree Seibel Lewis, Vol. 1, pages 307, 987, 992; Vol. 2, pages 1740 1741, 1742. "Warwickshire Ancestors Project" - 1841 Transcript of Piece HO 107/1133 (Lighthorne), Folio 8, page 10 Enumeration District 4, Oxhill, URL: www.hunimex.com/warwick/freecens/1841/41133C/html-40K Submitted by Mona Hilden-Beckwith e-mail: hilbeck123@att.net