Decatur County Journal

April 4, l907

MARY M. GILLHAM, daughter of NEWTON and ELIZABETH GILLHAM, was born near

Glasgow, Jefferson County, Iowa, March 29, l848. Fell asleep at her

home in Leon, Iowa, March 27, l907, lacking but two days of being 59

years of age.

In her girlhood she came to Decatur County, Iowa, where she resided

continuously for over 50 years. She was united in marriage to MR. E.J.

SANKEY, May 6, l866, in the l9th year of her age. Ten children were

born to this union, eight of whom with the bereaved husband and father

survive her.

The children living are, MRS. FRED E. TEALE, of Leon, Iowa; MOREAU

SANKEY, of Des Moines; MRS. T.J. SMITH, of Fayette Township, Decatur

County; MRS. LOIS DORRANCE, of Colorado, now at home; NEWTON SANKEY, of

Colorado; MISS ORA SANKEY, of Leon, and WARREN and CARL SANKEY, of

Colorado. Her only surviving brother, JOHN B. GILLHAM, was with her at

the end.

MRS. SANKEY was converted and united with the Methodist Church about 40

years ago and remained a faithful and consistent member until her

translation. For a number of years she had been in poor health. In

November, l905, she had a violent attack of heart failure and but for

the ability of her family physician, Dr. H.R. Layton, assisted by Dr.

Waight, she would not have survived. Since then, all the best skill

obtainable could do was done. The tenderest ministry was lovingly and

lavishly given by her loved ones, but without avail. For the last year

and a half she suffered much. Her vitality gradually became weaker and

she seemed to realize that the end was near. At 8:45 a.m. of March 27th,

the summons came to her at her home in Leon. Surrounded by loved ones

and old friends, she peacefully and without pain, fell asleep.

The Master passed by and by touching the hem of His garment, was made

whole from that very hour.

A good woman has passed from us. She was a mother in Israel. She did

her whole duty to her family. "Her children rise up and call her

blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." To the neighbors and

to the community in which she lived she gave unwearied service. Her

kindly acts of charity and sympathy are well known by all who knew her.

The funeral was held from the residence Thursday afternoon at 3

o'clock. There was a large attendance of old friends and neighbors who

held her in high esteem. The text was from John l4:l-3. The music was

furnished by a quartette from the Methodist Church Choir. The floral

offerings were numerous and beautiful.

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October 8, 200l