Aberdeen Weekly News Thursday, Dec 22, 1898
DEATH OF A LOVED COUPLE
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Saunders Laid Peacefully to Rest
[Margaret Huddleston Saunders & George W. Saunders]
Warner, S. D., Dec. 21 — Death, the great leveler of all things earthly, has once again made his presence known in our vicinity. During the past week two aged and respected members of this community have laid down the cares and burdens of this life and entered the brighter life beyond. Mrs. George W. Saunders, whose death after a brief illness occurred at midnight of Monday, the 19th inst., at the home of her son Robert, was born October 15, 1819 at Lubec, Maine.
On December 20, 1846, she was married to George W. Saunders and to them were born five children, four of whom are living. Of Mrs. Saunders it can be truly said hers was a life of untiring devotion to her family. Loving care such as only a true mother can bestow was always given without stint or measure, and when returning from the business cares of distant voyages or their new homes, her children ever found the hospitable portals opened wide to receive them and a mother’s sunny presence ever there to gladden the home-coming.
Joys and sorrows came to her through the long years in which she ministered untiringly to those she loved as well as to all who needed a helping hand or a kind word. Two of those who were the objects of her tenderest care and solicitude from infancy were at her bedside as she breathed her last. And while their fast-falling tears dimmed their sight and blotted out the face of her who peacefully slept the sleep that knows not awakening, their hearts could but echo the words, thy work is well done, blessed mother, and thou restate in peace. There were her son, Robert Saunders, and daughter, Mrs. James Wheelihan, who to the last moment gave their aged parents the tenderest care. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church this afternoon, Rev. Bromaghim, officiating, and a large concourse of sorrowing friends followed her remains to the grave and laid her beside her husband to whom she had been happily wedded for fifty-two years and who had been laid to rest less than a week before. She was a devout Christian, having united with the Baptist church in her girlhood and having led a noble, self-sacrificing and righteous life all her days.
George W. Saunders, whose death occurred on the 14th inst., was born in Prescott, Washington county, Maine, July 8, 1811, where the early days of his life were spent. He was married December 20, 1846, to Miss Margaret Huddleston of Lubec, in the same state, who was his loving companion for fifty-two eventful years and followed him to the grave within a week.
Five children were born to them, four of whom are now living — Robert Saunders of Warner, Edward Saunders of Libby, Mont., Mrs. F. W. Porter of Necedah, Wis., and Mrs. James Wheelman of Warner. October 4, 1859, he removed with his family to Wisconsin, where he resided for twenty-four years, and then immigrated to Dakota in May, 1888, as one of the early pioneers. Here he remained until his death. He was of a sunny temperament and loving disposition and was affectionately called “Uncle George” by all his acquaintances, both old and young.
From early manhood he was the life of every assemblage in which he participated and to the last maintained a buoyancy of spirits that was truly remarkable. No more lovable or kindlier nature ever breathed hope and encouragement in sunshine or storm. His last hours were attended by physical pain, the result of an injury received many years ago in one of his feet, but he never lost patience for a moment or doubted the future. He expired peacefully while following with his remaining strength his favorite yen, “The Christian’s Home in Glory” which was being sung by Mrs. Wheelihan at his request. He soul was wafted with the refrain to Him who gave it.
~Transcribed by volunteer researcher, Kathy Smith