Patterson, Sarah E. (Shelhamer) 1850 - 1918

PATTERSON, SHELHAMER, CARPENTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/24/2021 at 10:14:34

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 22 Aug. 1918.

The death of Mrs. H. S. Patterson occurred at her home here on Thursday, Aug. 15th, at 2:30 p.m. On July 29th she was operated upon to relieve a strangulated hernia, but conditions were not favorable and a second operation became necessary on Sunday Aug 4th. From that time on life hovered in the borderland with her strength gradually failing to the end.

Sarah E. Shelhamer was born at Delhi, Iowa, January 01, 1850. A few years later the family moved to Minnesota, living on a farm that is now part of the city of St. Paul. In a brief time they returned to Iowa, coming to Clayton county. The mother then passed away and the subject of our sketch, then a little girl of seven years went to live with a relative in Illinois, where she remained until she was eighteen.

She was married to H. S. Patterson Dec. 18, 1872 and they lived on a farm near Elkader for several years. They then went to Chicago where Mr. Patterson attended Hahnemann Medical College receiving his degree in 1888. Dr. Patterson located at Toledo, Iowa, for the practice of his profession remaining there about two years. From there they moved to Grundy Center and later to Waukon, finally coming to Elkader in 1892.

Two daughters were born to them, Susie, who died as a young girl, and Alice, who grew to womanhood, graduated from Hahnemann college and became the wife of A. J. Carpenter of this place. She died in 1903.

Mrs. Patterson is survived by her devoted husband, one granddaughter Gladys Carpenter, a half-sister residing in Venice, Cal., and a number of more distant relatives.

The death of Mrs. Patterson comes as a personal sorrow to a host of friends. Her life has been one of service given unsparingly wherever it was needed. Many a sick one has benefitted by the skilled touch of her kindly hands, many a bedside cheered by her presence. She answered every call of sickness or need with a noble unselfishness, a broad charity.

An earnest Christian woman, she was active in church and Sunday School teaching and living the word of the Master. "For as much as ye did it unto the least of these ye did it unto me." Her memory will live in the hearts of those to whom she ministered.

The funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 17th, at the Congregational church, Rev. Hull preaching an appropriate sermon, after which she was laid to rest in the East Side cemetery.