SEVERANCE, Sabra 1830-1903

SEVERANCE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 12/13/2016 at 08:54:06

Obituary of Miss Severance

Sabra Sophia Severance was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, February 28, 1830. In 1856 the family moved to Iowa going by train to Chicago, thence to Grundy Center by team. The old home was built on what is now the H. K. Snavely lot. It was here Miss Severance had charge of Grundy's first postoffice which it is said she kept in her mother's bureau drawer. Later a building was erected where Hummel's store now stands for the purpose and in which she also kept a small general store. After disposing of her interests in Grundy Center she lived for a number of years in LeMars with her sister, Mrs. Alline. Later she lived in Waterloo and Reinbeck. About fifteen years ago she removed to LeRoy, N.Y., where the latter years of her life were spent. She died in Grundy Center, Sept. 21, 1903. Hers was a solitary life yet the following clipping found in her Bible tells of her fellowship and dependence upon God. Throughout her life she was a devoted Episcopalian. The funeral service was held at the home of Chas. Severance, Rev. McMasters officiating, assisted by Rev. Marsh, and the remains were laid to rest beside those of her father and mother.

Alone, But Not Alone
"Why should we faint and fear to live alone,
Since all alone so heaven has willed, we die;
Nor even the tenderest heart, and next our own,
Knows half the reasons why we smile or sigh.
"Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe,
Our hermit spirits dwell and range apart,
Our eyes see all around in gloom or glow
Hues of their own, fresh borrowed from the heart.
"And well it were for us our God should feel
Alone cur secret throbbings.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 1 October 1903, pg 4