Whitford, Betsy (Leal) 1819 - 1901

WHITFORD, SALES, LEAL, HOYT, WHITE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/1/2018 at 09:25:36

Elkader Register, Thur., 3 Oct. 1901.

Betsy Leal was born in Luzerne county, Penn., March 26th, 1819. Was married to Franklin Sales in 1837, but was left a widow after only eleven months of wedded life. She was married to Rev. James G. Whitford in 1840, and to them were given sixty years of happy days. Just one year ago through the calling of the Lord she was left behind, but, "Just as the sun went down" Sept 23rd, 1901, she heard the call and followed on. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mattie Hoyt, in Volga, Iowa. During the past year she had been waiting, thinking perhaps to-day or to-morrow, it surely can't be long before my Lord will call until I shall join "those I Have loved long since, but lost awhile." She seemed to live right near the portal for, "to die would be gain." Her life which ended so calmly began thus in youth with Christ for her help. Her father was a class leader and exhorter among the Methodists and she too joined the connection, remaining ever among the consistent members of the church. As a girl she was zealous, enjoying the class meeting and all religious services of the church; but in later life, after the family became large and "Father" Whitford as a preacher must be absent a great deal, she became more retiring and rarely expressed herself in public. She would often go into the field and labor when her husband was suddenly called away that he might serve the people. She was a good mother, a kind neighbor, a benediction to the community. Five sons, Charles, Samuel, Wilbur, Warner and Henry, with the two daughters, Mrs. Mattie Hoyt and Mrs. W. P. White, are left behind but not to sorrow as without hope. She came to her grave like a shock of corn fully ripe, aged 82 years, 5 months and 28 days.

The funeral services were held from the house to the M.E. Church, Sept. 25th, 1901. Rev. F. E. Fleming preached the sermon assisted by the pastor of the church. A large company of friends gathered to sympathize with and assist the bereaved in burying their much loved mother, to whom they extend grateful acknowledgement.