Jefferson County, Iowa The Fairfield Ledger

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Fairfield Weekly Ledger
Jefferson County, Iowa
Transcribed by: Joey Stark

Note: Typographical errors (followed by [sic]) and spelling variations in names in this document are intentional and reflect the actual newspaper articles. Transcriber’s notes are occasionally included and are indicated with [Ed. note:....]. Surnames shown here are in UPPER CASE for easy location; not rendered as such in the newspapers.

DIED.--At the residence of her father, Rev. Thomas A. MERRILL, in Fairfield, Iowa, April 10th, 1869, Mrs. Sarah MERRILL HARRAH, aged 25 years, 11 months and 2 days.
  In the death of Mrs. HARRAH, humanity has lost one of its most faithful friends. Being impressed from early life with the destructive work of sin, both to the bodies and souls of men, with a devoted christian zeal she gave herself to the work of preparation for a life-long struggle against its power. She has ever been a diligent student, a woman of fine talents, and indomitable perseverance; and but three weeks before her death received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the New York Medical College for Women.-- Many of her friends confidently believed, from her tact in public speaking, that with proper culture she would rank among the first of woman orators.
  >But she was not only remarkable in talent, but also in grace. To love and serve her Savior was her constant delight. For Him she hoped to do a special work in life, and before commencing her daily duties uniformly sought His direction. In God’s special providence over His believing children she had an unwavering faith, and always loved to call Him by the endearing name of Father. A few days before she died --- when her father-in-law and other friends unexpectedly came to see her --- she said to her husband: "Darling, this is providential; they are coming to see me, for they will never see me any more."
  She greatly desired to be a true christian woman; and her meek and quiet spirit--so free from all pride and self-confidence--will never be forgotten by her many friends. It was an occasion of great sorrow to her that so many who have purposed active work for the good of humanity, thought it necessary to lay aside their true womanly natures.; Wherever she went, she was loved. In college she had the entire respect and confidence of her class, and by a unanimous vote was chosen their valedictorian --- which she had to resign on account of her sickness. Her interest in work led her to neglect herself, and before she was aware of it she was prostrated with consumption. Her disease was exceedingly rapid; and to have all her hopes thus blasted, at the most promising period of her life, must have been the severest trial. Yet, during all her sickness, a murmur never escaped her lips. She said to her mother --- whom, with her father, she loved as a child should love her parents--"That I may do much good in the world and for your sakes, I greatly desire to get well; but if the Lord wills otherwise, I am ready to go." Her resignation was remarkable, and never did she seem to have the least fear of death. When her last hour came, she said to her husband: "Darling, I am going home." After half an hour she revived again, and said: "Jesus is bright and shining in glory." In a few minutes she revived again and said, as if speaking to some persons: "They say I shall not go home, but it is not so." Then the lips of this affectionate child, loving wife and noble woman, were forever closed, and, without a struggle, she passed to her God, to enjoy His presence, and receive the reward of her short but faithful life.

CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
       Council Rooms, April 18, 1869.
  The Council met with the following members present; Mayor McCRACKEN, Trustees-- ALEXANDER, BOLING, BIGELOW, CRAWFORD, MESSICK, MONFORT, PHELPS and SCRANTOM.
  Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
  The following claims against the city were referred to the committee on claims, viz:

BLACK & STEVER, for interest,	$18 08
E. D. RAND & Co,     "         "	12 00
Samuel RISTINE,    " trees for Park	15 00
Jno. BRYSON & Sons, for lumber	21 94

  Upon examination the Committee on Claims reported favorably on claims of BLACK & STEVER, Samuel RISTINE and John BRYSON & Sons. Whereupon they were allowed by the following vote: Yeas--ALEXANDER, BOLING, BIGELOW, CRAWFORD, MESSICK, MONFORT, PHELPS and SCRANTOM.
  Wm. BICKFORD made a statement concerning the East and West alley of block 8, Henu [sic - Henn] Williams & Co.’s addition, and asked for the same to be opened. Also, B. GILTNER made a statement concerning the street in front of Wm. BICKFORD’s residence. On motion of Ald. MESSICK the whole matter was referred to the committee on streets and alleys.
  Ald. MESSICK moved that the Solicitor be instructed to draft an ordinance requiring each householder within the City to purchase and keep upon his premises for use in case of fire a rubber water bucket. Motion prevailed.
  On motion of ALEXANDER, the Marshal was instructed to notify the owners of lots (or their agents) where sidewalks have been ordered, to build said sidewalks within thirty days.
  Ald. SCRANTOM presented the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted, viz:
  Resolved, That the Mayor be instructed to examine the building now in course of erection by Wm. BARNES, on the south side the Square, and if in his opinion he judges it to be in violation of ordinance 61, to enforce the provisio ns [sic] of said ordinace [sic] and proceed as directed in said ordinance, vez: "To abate it as a nuisance."
  On motion. adjourned to this night two weeks, at 7 o’clock.
            GEO. H. CASE, City Clerk.

House Burned.--The house of John COURTNEY, in lower Rich-woods, was completely burned, and every thing in it, on Monday night, April 12th. The family was absent from home at the time. Loss about $400.