March 11, 1792-September 5, 1880
OBITUARY
Died, on Sunday, Sept. 5, 1880, at the residence of her son, D.O. Woodruff, in this city, Mrs. RUTH COWLES, in the 89th year of her age.
Ruth Gray, the subject of this notice, was born on the 11th of March 1792, at the town of Lebanon, a few miles east of Albany, N.Y. She was the grand-daughter of an English clergyman, the daughter of a revolutionary soldier, who, entering the army at the age of sixteen, served throughout the war, and shared in the victories of Bennington and Saratoga. She was married at the age of seventeen to John Woodruff, a native of New Jersey, and for a few years they resided in the city of New York, thence removing to Saratoga county, which was her home until about sixteen years ago, when, upon the death of her second husband, Mr. Cowles, she came to this city where her children were residing, and has since made her home with her son, Mr. D.O. Woodruff. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom survive her.
Mrs. Cowles was a woman of rare Christian virtues. Uniting at an early age with the Baptist Church in the city of New York, she was for more than sixty years a devout and consistent member. Toward the close of life she had been for many years at times a great sufferer, yet always patient, always resigned, her example was a sweet and noble one to all about her. Of her it may truly be said, “Her children shall rise up and call her blessed.” (Niles Republican, Thursday, September 9, 1880, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library)
AND
Died in this city, on Sunday last, the mother of Messrs. D.O and J.E. Woodruff, in the 89th year of her age. She as been almost entirely helpless from paralysis for a number of years. She was a good mother, neighbor and friend and was highly esteemed during the many years of her life. (Source: Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 11, 1880, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)
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