SELLS, Mary E. (1860-1903)

SELLS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 3/5/2018 at 16:53:00

Mary Elizabeth Sells
(October 12, 1860 – November 26, 1903)

Oakland Acorn, Oakland, Iowa, Thurs., Dec 3, 1903, p.6, col.1
[from the Randolph Enterprise, Randolph, Iowa]
The citizens of this community were greatly shocked last Thursday evening by the sad news of the death of Mrs. Wm. M. Sells, which occurred at Indianola, as the result of an accident about noon that day. Mrs. Sells had accompanied her husband to the farm, a short distance from Indianola, Mr. Sells going out to get some cattle. When they were ready to return home deceased asked her husband if she should wait for him or go on with the team and buggy and he told her he thought it was best to go on as it was nearing the dinner hour and he would follow. The accident occurred about a quarter of a mile from their residence and it is supposed that the bolt in the double tree broke, letting it fall forward onto the horses’ heels, which caused them to lunge forward, pulling Mrs. Sells out of the buggy. In falling she struck her head on the hard road with such force as to burst a blood vessel which caused her death in about an hour, she not regaining consciousness not speaking after the accident. The unexpected death of this estimable lady brought great sorrow to many hearts that feel the deepest sympathy for the bereaved husband, children and other relatives. The remains were brought to Randolph Saturday evening and Sunday at 11 a.m., the funeral services were held in the M. E. church, which was handsomely decorated; the decorations being in keeping with the sad occasion. Rev. Goodrich of Glenwood, formerly pastor of the M. E. church here, preached a feeling sermon and special music was rendered by a mixed quartet. Interment was in the Randolph cemetery, the pall bearers being six brothers of the deceased, all residents of Gladstone, Ill. They were Marcellus, Thomas, George, Taylor, Fred and Ralph Galbraith; and Marshall of Joesport, Mo., another brother acted a honorary pall bearer. It was indeed a touching scene to see these stalwart brothers carrying the remains of a dear sister and laying them in their last resting place. The other relatives present were her mother, Mrs. Galbraith of Gladstone, Ill, cousins, James and George Galbraith of Emerson, John Bell and wife and Mrs. House of Henderson, Mrs. Bacon of Carson, and Mrs. Slump of Oakland, E. M. Eckman and wife of Osceola, friends, were present.
Mrs. Sells, whose maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Galbraith, was born in Henderson County, Ill, Oct 12, 1860, and at the time of her death was 43 years, 1 month, and 7 days old. She was married in 1882 to Wm. M. Sells and to this union six children were born, all of whom are still living. She was converted December 1901, and the following July was taken into full connection with the Methodist church of Indianola. For a number of years they lived on a farm south of Ranldolph, removing about four years ago to Indianola. The deceased had many friends here and was greatly loved for her many excellent traits of character. She was pure in all her words, conversation, and daily walk; was a good mother and a true wife, always endeavoring to make her home a paradise. To the bereaved ones the heartfelt sympathy of this community is extended in this irreparable loss of a loving wife and mother.