Sarah Aldredge Mullen (1816-1900)

MULLEN, ALDREDGE, EVANS, MCCLOUGH, SMITH

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/14/2005 at 21:47:51

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, August 2, 1900, page 4, columns 2-3. "OBITUARY - MULLEN. - Sister Sarah Mullen, nee Aldredge, was born in Knox county, Tenn., Dec. 24, 1816, and died at the home of her daughter, wife of Rev. Thos. M. Evans, in Waterloo, Iowa, July 26, 1900, aged 83 years, 7 months and 2 days. At the age of twelve years, she moved with her parents to Carroll county, Ind. Here she grew into womanhood and married Amariah Mullen in 1835. In 1853, the family moved to Wapello county, Iowa, and in 1864 to Story county. Here her husband died in the fall of 1869. She remained on the old homestead until her children were all married, after which she lived with a son until his death, since which time she has lived with her son-in-law. She was the mother of eleven children, six of whom are still living. They are J. N., of Stockton, Kan.; W. J., of Corning, Mo.; Mrs. Anna McClough, of Belville,** Kans.; Mrs. Lillie Smith, of Colo, Iowa, and Rev. George W., of the Des Moines conference. All of these were present at the time of her death. One brother and one sister of the deceased are yet living. She became a Christian in early life, and remained faithful until her earthly pilgrimage was finished. In the winter of 1861-2 she and her husband united with our church in which they ever remained honored pillars. They were among the first members in this part of the state. Mother Mullen was a most devoted Christian woman. The service of the Lord was always uppermost in her mind. She loved the church of her choice most dearly and did all in her power to advance all its interest. Her character as a Christian was of the most stable kind. Her faith in God never wavered. She was as firm as a rock. Her fidelity to God and His cause never admitted of question. She was also a model of hospitality. Through all the years, her home was ever open, and especially, were preachers of the Gospel made to feel at home in her home. She was a safe counsellor**, especially in church matters. While she worked very hard physically to keep the home and family, yet she managed to find much time to read. She had a fare faculty for combining much reading with numerous household duties. The result was that she was always posted, and this with her wisdom and tact made her a much sough and safe counsellor. Her death was triumphant. Not a doubt beclouded her spiritual sky. Sweetly she sank to rest in the arms of Jesus. She is gone, but her memory is blessed and her works do follow her. The funeral was held in the old neighborhood, well known as the Mullen Settlement, in the Summit Evangelical church, where she has been so many years a beloved member. The services was conducted by the writer, who preached from Job 5:6. Revs. Chas. Pickford and John M. Banford assisted in the service. Three sons, two son-in-laws and one grandson bore the remains to the grave, where they were gently laid away to await the Resurrection morning. B. H. Niebel. **Editorial note - counsellor is the spelling from the original article, Belville is actually spelled Belleville.

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, August 2, 1900, page 5, column 3. The funeral service in memory of Sarah Mullen was held in the Summit U. E. Church on Sunday at 11 a. m.., Rev. B. H. Niebel, of Des Moines, officiating. A large congregation was in attendance at same. Interment was made in the cemetery near the church. Deceased was eighty-three years of age and was widely and favorably known as a good christian woman."