Sarah Sheriff Marston
1849-Jan.13, 1883
Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 20, 1883, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
The death of Mrs. Marston, wife of Will Marston, enrolling clerk at Lansing, which occured [sic] at Benton Harbor, on Saturday last, after an illness of about three weeks, has awakened sincere regret and sympathy in this, her old home, where as Miss Sarah Sheriff, sister of T.M. Sheriff, formerly of this city, now of the Mendon Globe, she is so pleasantly remembered. She was also married here and for a time dwelt among us, and by her quiet unobtrusive walk and christian virtues, won the esteem of the community. Mrs. Marston was a member of the Episcopal church and during the trying hours of her fatal sickness, she expressed firm reliance on the mercy and goodness of the allwise Father, committing herself and family to Him, knowing that all would be well. For her children, husband and friends, she prayed to stay, but if God so ordered, she was willing to go up higher. She talked calmly and beautifully of her approaching death, bade them all an affectionate farewell and peacefully passed away. Three little children are left motherless, and thinking of that darkened home today, we are led to ask, why was she taken, just when maternal care and love would so fondly encircle and shield the dear ones from the cold, rude winds of life. But His ways are not our ways and through these rugged paths of affliction, he will bring the faint, weary soul to the gates of peace by and by. We must not question though the way be thorny and hard. And who shall say that her blessed spirit does not minister to the cherished circle, now bereft, with a love far holier than earth. She will watch over them from her beautiful home and await their coming "over there."
Oh, nearer than we think or dream, Soft angle[sic] footsteps press;And dearer than our hearts can know, Their power to love and bless.
The funeral took place in this city, on Monday, January 15, 1883, at 4 p.m., from the Episcopal church, and was largely attended, many friends from Benton Harbor, where the deceased was so highly esteemed, being present, having accompanied the remains here. Rest happy soul! freed from all mortal sin and strife and safely harbored on the shore of eternal peace.