Sarah Elizabeth (Henry) French (1864-1951)

FRENCH, HENRY

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

November 26, 1864 --- December 25, 1951

The Goldfield Chronicle

Sarah Elizabeth Henry, daughter of Chester and Ellen Ann Henry, was born on November 26, 1864 at Somonauk, Ill., and grew up in that community in the membership of the United Presbyterian church.

On September 29, 1886 she married William Jonathan French. Four children were born to them, a boy who died in early infancy, Elsie, the eldest, Mary, who passed away April 15, 1943, and Leila.

They moved to Goldfield in 1890 and were here until 1901. They were in Clarion then for about 3½ years, and in Waterloo until 1929 when Mr. French passed away. Then Mrs. French made her home with her daughter, Mary, a teacher, in Escanaba, Mich., until Mary's death. During that time she was a member of the Presbyterian church.

She came to Goldfield after a residence in Des Moines, about three years ago. In July of 1950 her daughter, Elsie, came home from her missionary service in Egypt, to be with her mother in her remaining days.

Mrs. French has been in fair health and was reasonably active, a faithful church attendant, and Bible School pupil. On Christmas eve she took suddenly ill, after having participated in the preparation of gifts for the Christmas morning, and passed away in the early morning of Christmas day.

Mrs. French took a sincere interest in the people about her, and in the community activities and participated in them so far as she was able. She was so much a part of our lives and of our circle that she seemed much younger than her years. One did not think of her as being "old" or "aged". She will be truly missed in the church of which she was an active member. Her pastor will miss her for she was a very intelligent and responsive auditor. As her daughter, Elsie, said, "She doubtless was enjoying a very happy Christmas day: We pay tribute to her as a "mother in Israel".

Services were conducted Thursday, Dec. 27 in the United Presbyterian church, with her pastor, Rev. C. G. McKnight in charge. Mrs. Merle Harvey was organist. The vocal music was provided by a mixed quartet, Mrs. Craig Nelson, Miss Alice Folkedahl, Mr. Richard McCutcheon and Mr. Wesley Warner.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 3, 1952

Goldfield Gazette

Funeral services for Mrs. W. J. French, 87, well known Goldfield resident were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the United Presbyterian church, Rev. C. G. McKnight officiating. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery.

Mrs. French died Christmas morning following a heart attack suffered the previous evening.

Mrs. Merle Harvey was organist. Vocal music was given by a mixed quartet. Mrs. Craig Nelson, Miss Alice Folkedahl, Richard McCutchcon and Wesley Warner.

Sarah Elizabeth Henry, daughter of Chester and Ellen Ann Henry, was born on Nov. 26, 1864, at Somonauk, Ill., and grew up in that community, in the membership of the United Presbyterian church.

On Sept. 29, 1886, she married William J. French. Four children were born to them, a boy who died in early infancy, Elsie, the eldest, Mary who passed away April 15, 1943, and Leila.

They moved to Goldfield in 1890, and were here until 1901. Then they were in Clarion about three and a half years, and in Waterloo until 1929 when Mr. French passed away. Then Mrs. French made her home with her daughter, Mary, a teacher, in Escanaba, Mich., until Mary's death. During that time she was a member of the Presbyterian church.

She came to Goldfield, after a residence in Des Moines, about three years ago. In July, 1950, her daughter, Elsie came home from her missionary service in Egypt to be with the mother in her remaining days.

Wright County Monitor --- Clarion, Iowa
January 3, 1952