Sherman, Almira 1836-1904

SHERMAN, DUDLEY, HALL, RUTHERFORD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 1/23/2011 at 10:58:11

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; March 11, 1904

OBITUARY OF MRS. HENRY SHERMAN

Miss Almira Dudley was born at Newbury, Sullivan county, N.H., July 19, 1836, and went to rest March 7, 1904. Her parents were from an old English family. Her mother died when she was but two years old, and she found a home with Mr. Abner Hall of Newport, N.H., where she received her education and grew to womanhood. When fifteen years of age she was converted and united with the Baptist church.

On March 24, 1857, occurred her marriage to Henry Sherman, and the same day they started for his home at Clinton, Iowa. In May following they came to Chester township to make their home; at that time their only neighbor was Jason Sherman, who had arrived a short time before.

When the Chester Congregational church was organized in June, 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman became charter members and have continued loyal to its support through all these years. Of the charter members only the following ramain: Henry Sherman, Mrs. Jennie Sherman, Mrs. Mary E. Fisher, Wm. A. Carter and Mr. and Mrs. John Lightner.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman,--Fannie, now Mrs. James Rutherford, Ralph, now living on the home farm with his family, and Elmer H., who died in 1864 at about two years of age. He died from diphtheria, and his mother suffered a violent attack of this dread disease so that her life was despaired of for over a year, but finally she recovered and enjoyed good health till the winter of 1881, when she was stricken with rheumatism and was an invalid for 13 years. During this time she made two trips to Colorado for her health and in 1893 her strength began to revive. She was interested in the building of their new home and lived to enjoy it in her last years.

With returning health she took great interest in the welfare of the community, the church and the cause of Christ throughout the world. Her reading was quite extensive in the best religious literature, and she often wrote poems and stories which interested and encouraged all who heard them.

She found great delight in the best of our church hymns, and kept choice poems conveniently near. About two years ago she suffered an attack of grippe, and in the fall went to California, returning in May last, much improved in health, and continued pretty well till June 13, when she began to suffer nervous exhaustion and became very weak. Until about two weeks ago she hoped to recover, but when told that it was not possible for her, she said, "It is well; I shall go home." She sent loving messages to many, and thanks to those who had cared for her. Her mind was clear until about 6 a.m. Monday, when she repeated several passages of scripture and the folloing poem, which she had long prized:

Ay, thou art welcome, heaven's delicious breath,
When woods begin to wear the crimson leaf,
And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief,
And the year smiles as it draws near its death.
Wind of the sunny south! oh, still delay,
In the gay woods and in the golden air.
Like to a good old age released from care.
Journeying in long serenity away.
In such a bright, late quiet, would that I
Might wear out life, like thee, mid bowers and
brocks.
And dearer yet, the sunshine of kind looks,
And music of kind voices ever nigh;
And, when my last sand twinkled in the glass,
Pass silently from men, as thou dost pass.

Then her strength gradually failed till about 11 a.m., when her spirit went peacefully back to God who gave it.

The funeral was held at the old homestead, conducted by Rev. J.J. Mitchell, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. George Jewell, pastor of Chester church. The pall bearers were E.W. Fisher, John Fisher, Porter Fuller, M.E. Sears, J. Hockman and H.A. Woodford.