The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
January 23, 1918
Page 5
Column 4MRS. SARAH E. GILLENWATER
Sarah E. Gillenwater was born in Hancock county, Illinois, March 9, 1845, and died at her home in the same county Jan. 19, 1918, at the age of 73 years, 10 months and 10 days.
She was the second child of Jesse and Sally Ann Riggens, who have gone on before and stand waiting to welcome their children as they cross the river one by one. Her father's family consisted of twelve children, of whom three died in infancy. Those who grew to manhood and womanhood are Rebecca Ann, Sarah E., Wm. M., Mary E., Martha L., Amanda E., Melvina S., Samuel S., and Joseph Lee.
She was married to David E. Gillenwater April 9, 1864, who died Dec. 4, 1914. To this union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters: Henrietta Belle, Henry Jesse, Edward Everett, William Fredric, Manford P., Pearl and Verla. One son, Manford P., died March 2, 1881, and one daughter, Henrietta Belle died Nov. 6, 1887. Five children, fourteen grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, other relatives and many friends are left to mourn her death.
After her marriage she and her husband settled on a farm in the neighborhood of her childhood home, where they commenced to build a home and rear their family, which by industry and economy they soon accomplished, and for fifty years shared each other's joy and sorrows. After her husband's death she continued to reside at the old home in company with two of her children, Fred and Verla.
In early life she gave her heart to Jesus and united with the church of Christ at Oak Grove, where she attended the services of the church and took part in the religious life of the community. She was active for age and went about her daily duties until suddenly stricken down. She has gone to her reward and though she left wounded hearts behind when only time and God can heal, there are those who have gone before waiting to welcome her into the great eternity.
The funeral was held Monday at Oak Grove Christian Church at 11 o'clock, the Rev. E. M. Smith officiating. Interment at Oak Grove cemetery.
