Eldridge, Sarah J. 1842-1924

ELDRIDGE, HOLMES, VAUGHAN, RYTHER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/27/2005 at 08:31:47

Grinnell Herald also Daily News (Sully?) Feb.5, 1924
Sarah J. Eldridge

Sarah J. Holmes was born in Morgan County, Illinois, August 17, 1842, and died at her home near Sully, Feb. 5, 1924 age 82 years, six months and 12 days.

When 17 years of age, she with her parents migrated from Illinois to Iowa, and settled in Lynn Grove township where she lived until her death.

In 1859 she was united in marriage with J.R. Eldridge, also from Illinois. They soon moved to the farm where Mrs. Eldridge lived for 63 years until the time of her death.

She leaves to mourn her death; five brothers, one sister, seven children; one daughter, Mrs. John Vaughan, having died in 1899, Clarence of Tallula, Illinois, Jim of Kellogg, Clabe, John and Fred of Sully, Everet of Des Moines, and Mrs. Net Ryther of Kirksville, MO., 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The husband died in 1904, twenty years ago this month, and since then, she and Fred continued to make their home on the farm which was so dear to her.

When a young woman, she was baptised and joined the Christian church, of which she remained a member all her life. In later years, although being unable to attend, she often expressed her interest in christian work.

The last illness was brief, she being confined to her bed only five days, during which time she calmly and patiently awaited the end which she realised was so near. Her illness started with a slight cold, which soon developed into pneumonia, and from the first it was evident that her life's work was finished. The end was quiet, and surrounded by her children, she peacefully went to rest.

She leaves many friends behind, but those she knew in early life are very few.

She was a kind and thoughtful neighbor, always ready and willing to help whenever she could, and loved by all who knew her.

The funeral services were held Saturday February 9th at 12:30 at the home, and one o'clock at Sully church, conducted by Rev. Ed Thompson, pastor of this church. Music was furnished by the quartet consisting of Herman Koostra, Bertha Elscott, Nellie Boat, and Walton Conover. After the services the remains were laid to rest in the Swan cemetery, by the side of her husband.

Originally submitted on Thu Apr 2 16:54:12 1998 by
Nancy Vaughan Brousseau, ladybug@cyberpc.com.co