HARRAH, Mrs. Sarah MERRILL

HARRAH, MERRILL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 3/25/2007 at 15:11:23

"Fairfield Ledger Weekly", April 15, 1869

On account of her bad health Mrs. HARRAH was examined and passed a private examination. She came home to her parents, Rev. and Mrs. MERRILL, and was taken sick. On Friday night last she died, and was buried on Sunday following.

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"Fairfield Ledger Weekly", April 22, 1869

DIED.--- At the residence of her father, Rev. Thomas A. MERRILL, in Fairfield, Iowa, April 10th, 1869, Mrs. Sarah MERRILL HARRAH, aged 25 years, 11 months and 2 days.

In the death of Mrs. HARRAH, humanity has lost one of its most faithful friends. Being impressed from early life with the destructive work of sin, both to the bodies and souls of men, with a devoted christian zeal she gave herself to the work of preparation for a life-long struggle against its power. She has ever been a diligent student, a woman of fine talents, and indomitable perseverance; and but three weeks before her death received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the New York Medical College for Women.--- Many of her friends confidently believed, from her tact in public speaking, that with proper culture she would rank among the first of woman orators.

But she was not only remarkable in talent, but also in grace. To love and serve her Savior was her constant delight. For Him she hoped to do a special work in life, and before commencing her daily duties uniformly sought His direction. In God’s 'special providence' over His believing children she had an unwavering faith, and always loved to call Him by the endearing name of 'Father.' A few days before she died --- when her father-in-law and other friends unexpectedly came to see her --- she said to her husband: “Darling, this is providential; they are coming to see me, for they will never see me any more.”

She greatly desired to be a true christian 'woman;' and her meek and quiet spirit --- so free from all pride and self-confidence --- will never be forgotten by her many friends. It was an occasion of great sorrow to her that so many who have purposed active work for the good of humanity, thought it necessary to lay aside their true womanly natures. Wherever she went, she was loved. In college she had the entire respect and confidence of her class, and by a unanimous vote was chosen their valedictorian --- which she had to resign on account of her sickness. Her interest in work led her to neglect herself, and before she was aware of it she was prostrated with consumption. Her disease was exceedingly rapid; and to have all her hopes thus blasted, at the most promising period of her life, must have been the severest trial. Yet, during all her sickness, a murmur never escaped her lips. She said to her mother --- whom, with her father, she loved as a child 'should' love her parents --- “That I may do much good in the world and for your sakes, I greatly desire to get well; but if the Lord wills otherwise, I am ready to go.” Her resignation was remarkable, and never did she seem to have the least fear of death. When her last hour came, she said to her husband: “Darling, I am going home.” After half an hour she revived again, and said: “Jesus is bright and shining in glory.” In a few minutes she revived again and said, as if speaking to some persons: “They say I shall not go home, but it is not so.” Then the lips of this affectionate child, loving wife and noble woman, were forever closed, and, without a struggle, she passed to her God, to enjoy His presence, and receive the reward of her short but faithful life.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.