Hertrich, Sarah Jane (Mathews) 1849 - 1907

HERTRICH, MATHEWS, LOVE, SAAKE, BROWN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/13/2019 at 11:24:48

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 24 Oct. 1907.

At her home in Marion twp. on Saturday morning at 5:10 o'clock, October 19th, 1907, Sarah J. Hertrich passed out of this brief life into the perfect life eternal.

The latter years of her life have been spent in the quiet seclusion of her home. Debarred for the most part by the state of her health from taking an active part in domestic life, or in the social life of church and neighborhood, she was contented in the society of the family circle; having always a warm welcome for friends who visited her in her home. Occasionally she spent a few hours with her sister, or some neighbor not far distant. As her strength gradually failed during the past year, even these drives for a few miles proved to be too much of a tax upon her, and were reluctantly given up by herself and family. While an invalid chair and other means and plans for her comfort were being devised by those who loved her, so that she might still enjoy some out of door life, the Messenger came to summon her spirit to the better land. It was evident to her family the past two weeks that her strength was rapidly growing less. She rested more frequently in her room, moved about more slowly, yet she desired to be with the family as much as possible, and arose each morning at her usual waking time, until Friday morning, the 18th, as her daughter assisted her, it was found that she could not stand upon her feet, nor could she use her right arm or hand; the cause was found to be paralysis of that side of her body. It was thought best to at once summon her son from Fayette where he was attending school, and also relatives from other distant and nearby points. This was done not a moment too soon, as she became unconscious at about two o'clock on Friday, and was unable thereafter to speak or to recognize anyone; and thus she passed into the sleep which knows no waking in this world. A gentle, patient spirit, one who longed to be busy and helpful, she was thoughtful of the comfort and pleasure of others to a wonderful degree. If she felt regret of loneliness when one of her family went from home, there was no complaint, but she watched eagerly for the homecoming, often asking as the day advanced, "Isn't it time for him to come ?" and greeting her husband or other members of the family with a glad smile and the words "I am so glad you've come," adding her part of good cheer to her home. She was literally scriptural in "using hospitality toward all men, being "not forgetful to entertain strangers." If only a poor wayfarer were received, she kindly talked to him, and endeavored to make him feel at home in her home while there, though personally she could minister no further to his needs. Who can tell what may be the effect of kindly spoken words to one who may have received but scant wordless charity. Her sweet purity of thought, word and deed can only be likened to that of an innocent little child. She was just. She was kind. Great things to be said of anyone. How truthfully could each member of her household say all these things of her and yet fail to tell of all of the lessons which her precious life among them has taught them, and will continue to teach them as they comb its pages, over and over in memory. Truly, "They also serve who only stand and wait."

Sarah Jane Mathews was born at Warren, Ohio, September 4th, 1849, her family removing to Clayton County, Iowa, when she was about three years of age. She was married to Franz Hertrich in July, 1873. Four children were given to them, a daughter and three sons. Two of the sons died in infancy. The daughter, Emma, and one son, Elmer, together with her husband, survive her. Also two brothers, James and Edward Mathews, of Farmersburg, Iowa, and three sisters, Mrs. W. J. Love, of Luverne, Minn., Mrs. Louis Saake, of Farmersburg, Iowa, and Mrs. W. A. Brown, of Waukon, Iowa.

She became a member of the United Brethren church early in life. Unable to attend the services of the church the latter years of her life, she spent much of her time in reading the book of all books, her bible. She loved the hymns of the church and Sabbath school, and often joined the family in singing.

After a brief and touching service conducted by her visiting pastor, Rev. H. Haag, of Monona, at one o'clock p.m. on Monday, the 21st, at the home, a large concourse of friends and relatives gathered at the United Brethren Church, where the services were conducted. The earnest well chosen words of the pastor, from Rev., 21-4, "and there shall be no more death", the tender songs which were sung by kind friends, and the bright beautiful flowers were all most comforting to those who were laying to rest all that was mortal of their loved one.