Mrs. Sarah A. Wilson, 1835-1918

BOYD, DAVIS, FARR, WILSON

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 10/15/2006 at 18:52:49

MRS. SARAH A. WILSON

Sarah Wilson, daughter of John and Elizabeth Davis, was born in Pennsylvania, April 18, 1835. She came to Henry county, Iowa, with her parents when 18 years of age. She was married to John M. Wilson on March 13, 1853. They settled on a farm near what is now known as the Pleasant Hill neighborhood. They knew the pleasures and hardships of pioneer days, but days when friends and neighbors worked together for the common good of all. At the time of the Civil War, when the call came for soldiers to enlist for the service of their country, Uncle John Wilson was ready to enlist in Co. D., 4th Iowa Cavalry, hard as it was to leave his devoted wife and helpmeet alone, with a family of children and a farm to care for. Bravely did she do her part in those years of great trial and hardship not known about today.

After her husband’s return home from the war, they continued to live on the home farm. They were members of the Pleasant Hill Methodist church until their removal to Mt. Pleasant, when they united with the First Methodist church of this city, December 14, 1902, where they have remained as consistent members ever since.

The devoted husband, John M. Wilson, passed away six years ago. Their home has always known for its hospitality and good cheer, and many have been comforted by the sympathy and kindness of this splendid couple, whose lives have been an example to their many friends.

Mrs. Wilson’s faithful son, J. M. Wilson, who has lived with her since her husband’s death, toward whom she was ever thoughtful, kindly and considerate, was constantly by her side to minister to her.

Mrs. Wilson leaves to mourn her loss four children, her eldest son, J. M. Wilson of this city, Ralph H. Wilson of Rockford, Colorado, Mrs. Sanford Boyd of this city and Mrs. George Farr living south of this city. Also 19 grandchildren.

Grandma Wilson, as she was familiarly known to her many friends, has lived a beautiful life of service, and was ready and willing to go to her heavenly home, often expressing her implicit faith in Jesus Christ, and the joy of meeting her loved ones over there.

She passed away on December 30, 1918 at her home in this city, at the age of 83, like the ripened sheaf garnered in at the harvest time. The writer of this brief tribute often read to her the following lines from the poem of Dr. J. T. McFarland, entitled “The Voyage” which she enjoyed so much, and which expresses her great vision of faith:

“My soul goes not a chosen way;
A current under-runs my life.
That moves alike in peace or strife,
And turns not for my yea or nay.

Not on the bridge, but at the mast
I sail o’er this far-streaming sea;
I will arrive; enough for me
My Captain’s smile and word - at last.”

The funeral services were held from her late home on East Webster Street, in charge of Pastor W. R. Keesey, Thursday morning, January 2, 1919, at 10 o’clock. He spoke from the text, John 14:1. Interment was made at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, where the body of this good woman awaits the resurrection of the just.

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Unnamed, undated obituary found in the scrapbooks of Mary [Blaut] Abraham, wife of Captain Lot Abraham; the scrapbooks are currently owned by their great-granddaughter, Martha [Wright] Allen, Mt. Pleasant, IA. [October 2006]