Sarah Hawkins (Wilson) Stanley (1909)

FRY, GANOE, STANLEY, WILSON

Posted By: Linda Smith
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:03:24

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, March 11, 1909
Page 4, Column 1

Sarah Hawkins Stanley

On an Indiana farm near Milton in Wayne county, was born a daughter to Seth and Elizabeth Wilson on Dec. 17, 1844. Sixty-four years later, on March 4 1909, she passed from the midst of her friends on earth.

Hers was a life always full of effort and energy which was crowned with achievement. Her early life in Indiana was surrounded by pioneer conditions, and when she came with her parents to Madison county, Iowa in 1860, it was a new country indeed, one which could only be peopled by a hardy and energetic race, and she bore her full part in the development of the county. Soon after coming to Iowa she was united in marriage to Josiah Stanley, whose recent death left her widowed.

To this union 10 children were born, eight of whom survive her. They are Charles, Ira, Savannah Fry, Mary Ganoe of Ankeny, Stella Williamson, Aletha Baker and two daughters at home, Ethel and Alta. These sons and daughters were all able to be with the mother to the end and receive her parting message of love and cheer. Not only in her children will her memory endure, as she lived to welcome twenty-seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, living monuments to serve her ...try and make it greater.

During her residence of nearly half a century in and near Earlham, she became known and loved by all. Her kindness, patience and helpfulness were always reaching out to any one whom she could assist or encourage. But her greatest work was in her own home, and no higher praise can be bestowed upon a woman that to say she was all that could be asked of the wife and mother. She brought up her family faithfully and well, and even now in their sorrow they look back and rejoice that they were given such a mother, and they "rise up and call her blessed."

In her latter days she suffered bodily affliction but ever bore it with fortitude and patience that characterized her whole life. Pain served only to sweeten her manner and make her more mindful of the trials of others. She passed away as she always lived, true to her faith in God, and with a professed readiness and joy to see her Master. To her it was given the privilege, seemingly to peer beyond the veil and see the welcoming angels, and yet leave the word of invitation to meet her, with those behind.

In her kind heart she often mentioned the good friends of Earlham and vicinity who so constantly stood ready to aid, and did aid to make her last days as easy and peaceful as possible, and her recognition was given over and over again to the fraternal lodge of which her husband was a member, for their generous and constant help.

Funeral services were held Sunday morning, in Friend church, conducted by Rev. John Stribling. Interment was in Earlham cemetery.

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