SANFORD, Mrs. Margaret W. (SAMPLE): 1821-1899

SAMPLE, SANFORD

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/29/2013 at 06:56:46

Death of Mrs. Margaret W. Sanford

The meagre(sp) news concerning the death of this early pioneer of Van Buren county was received through the columns of Friday's Daily Gate City. The sad announcement occasioned surprise, from the fact that friends in Bentonsport, who were in constant correspondence with her, had received from her pen a recent letter containing no hint of illness. Her death occurred on Saturday, January 7th, 1899, in Gunnison, Colorado, at the home of her daughter Mrs. Frank Sanford, of that place.

Margaret W. Sample was born in Pennsylvania in 1821, and moved to Van Buren county, about 1840. In 1840, she was married to John D. Sanford, who died at Bentonsport, 1882. To this union were born five children, three of whom survive. The eldest son, Sample Sanford, who is employed in western railway service, sent for his widowed mother and sister Maggie to join him in Salt Lake City and receive his filial protection. In accordance with this request they moved from their home in Bentonsport in 1885. A few years later Miss Maggie Sanford was united in marriage to Dr. Frank Sanford, a surgeon, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, and moved to Gunnison, Colorado, accompanied by her mother. The youngest son John Sanford resigned his position as foreman of "Gate City" office in Keokuk during the eighties, and later secured a position in a printing office in the west.

For forty-five years Mrs. Sanford had been a constant resident of Bentonsport, and was closely identified with all its best interests. Inn 1843 she united with the first Congregational church there and was an active, prominent member. Endowed by nature with unusually strong mental powers, gifted as a conversationalist, and a charming correspondent, she was fitted to fill any sphere of usefulness in social and intellectual activities. Extremely patriotic, she was active in loyal support of the soldiers in 1861 and tireless in her devotion to their relief in distress, whenever possible. The most lovable trait in this remarkable woman, was the deep love she felt for all children, extending far beyond the limits of her own . . . (remainder is missing)

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 164, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA