Sarah Elizabeth Caldwell Laird
Sarah Elizabeth Caldwell was born in Jefferson County, IA, near Abington, June 2, 1853, and departed this life at her home near Kellerton, IA, November 24, aged 71 years, five months and twenty-two days. She had been a patient sufferer for several months although frail and weak she was able to associate with her many relatives and friends, always bringing cheer wherever she went. Last Monday morning at 6 o’clock she was suddenly stricken down and surrounded by loving friends who had done all that could be done, she peaceably passed away at 12 a.m. January 1, 1874, she married to Samuel A. Laird. They celebrated their golden wedding January 1, 1924. To this union were born ten children, four boys and six girls. In early life she united with the Church of Christ and in 1891 she transferred her membership to the United Evangelical Church at Salem, in which faith she lived a consecrated Christian life until death. Her greatest desire was to follow in the footsteps of the Master. When able she was happy to be in attendance at the house of God and associated with God’s people. She was always kind and mindful of others and especially concerned and prayful for those of her own household and others out of Christ. May her labors and prayers not have been in vain. She leaves to mourn her loss her sorrowing husband, eight children: Mrs. Myrtle E. Jacobs of Mount Ayr; Mrs. Grace Knittle of Shenandoah, IA; Mrs. Lillie Wehrle of Kellerton, IA; Mrs. Ethel Cassady of Mount Ayr; Mrs. Pearl Knittle of Shenandoah, IA; Ray and Floyd of the home and Mrs. Winnie Stanley of Andover, MO; Earlin and Roy both died in early childhood. She also leaves sixteen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and a host of other relatives and friends. A loving mother has gone, a worthy life is finished. Blessed is the mother whose children can truly rise and call her blessed. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock at the Salem church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Hendricks of Winterset, IA, her former pastor, assisted by Rev. Geo. W. Cramer. Interment was made in the Tedrow Cemetery.
