Chico Weekly, Chronicle-Record, Saturday, December 1, 1888, pg 3 col 3: A Grand Life Terminated in a Peaceful Death. To devote this entire column to a record of the life and a tribute to the memory of this grand and good woman is but a feeble offering.

Rebecca Helphinstine was born in Bath county, Kentucky, March 8th, 1804. At the home of her childhood she married Frederick McIntosh, and with him removed to California in 1852, bringing with them their large family of ten children, and settled at the place called “Lone Tree” on the west bank of the Sacramento river, in Colusa county. There they made the home which she loved, at which she preferred to remain and where she died. Within a year or two after their arrival here, Mr. McIntosh died; the eldest son, Oscar, died; the third daughter, Anna, died; and a married daughter Mrs. Caty died – this last at the Canyon House in Shasta county. Thus, was the noble mother sorely bereft and afflicted; but she had left with her four sons, John W., Wallace, Jas. T. and Louis H. and her daughters who became Mrs. Geo. F. Jones, Mrs. Barnard and Mrs. Waste. All of these are so well known to our readers as to need no further reference.

With these to strengthen her hands and cheer her heart, Mrs. McIntosh went bravely on her way, and the grand success which has been the result cannot possibly by expressed in the few words we here have space for. With sound mind, willing hands and noble character she and her family gradually won their way to that place of prominence, wealth and influence and happiness which has since been theirs.

For twenty years past Mrs. McIntosh has been widely known in this part of California as “Grandma McIntosh,” universally oved, esteemed and admired. Her children, grand-children and great grand-children have grown up around her, until the anniversary of her birth, which they were accustomed to celebrate, became a great day. Long will the little ones bear in mind and be affected for good by the influence of the saintly Grandma as she appeared to them so happy on these occasions.

Mrs. McIntosh was in all respects an extraordinary woman. Her physical strength which has sustained her in health and happiness to the age of 84 years, 8 months and 20 days, was not greater than her mental capacity and moral excellence. With sound judgement and executive talent, she ordered her affair with discretion, and reared her children to habits of industry and thrift. The clearness of mind and correct use of all her faculties she retained to within a few hours of her death.

Her moral character was of that true and noble kind which easily took on the mould of religious faith. Accordingly, she early in life became a devout Christian. By that faith she lived and buffeted the toils and sorrow of life; in it she reposed in her advanced years; comforted by it she died.

To have known, reverenced and loved Grandma McIntosh is a source of helpfulness and comfort to many of our readers. She never made Chico her home, though so frequently here from time to time, she was known to nearly all its citizens. At our Agricultural Fairs in Chico, it was her custom to display some of her handiwork. Only last September, she did so, and attended in person, her venerable form, sweet smiling face and kind words being noticed by all and attracting a circle of admirers around her wherever she went.

For two weeks past it has been known that she had grown quite feeble, and it was feared that her end was approaching. This weakness gradually increased, until, without apparent sickness or acute suffering, the frail tenement loosed its hold upon the bouyant spirit, which passed out and on to God. The last scene took place yesterday morning at two o’clock, two of her sons and two of her daughters being present, with the pastor of her church, Rev. Mr. Reams.

The remains were brought to Chico yesterday and now repose at the residence of Mr. L.H. McIntosh in this city. The funeral cortege will move from the residence at 1 o’clock this afternoon. Service will be held in the M.E. Church, South, of which she was a member. The burial will be in the Chico cemetery.