Sarah E. (Gray) Kingsley
Oct. 30, 1836-Dec. 25, 1926
Berrien Springs Era, Thursday, December 30, 1926, page 1, col. 4., microfilm Niles District Library
PIONER WOMAN TAKEN BY DEATH
MRS. SARAH KINGSLEY, NINETY YEAR OLD RESIDENT OF EAU CLAIRE, DIES SUNDAY
Sadness reined on Christmas day in the Kingsley home a few miles northeast of Eau Claire, because of the critical illness of "Grandma" Kingsley, ninety year old pioneer of this vicinity, who passed away Sunday after a few days' illness. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock and the body was laid to rest resides that of her husband, John S. Kingsley, who preceded her in death forty years ago. Rev. T.W. Bellingham of Benton Harbor, an old friend and pastor of the deceased delivered the funeral sermon and was assisted by Rev. A.E. Greensveld of the Eau Claire Community church. Mrs. R.C. Bishop and Mrs. Beulah Lybrook sang. Casket bearers were E.E. Baughman, Milton Preston, L.D. Tuttle, E.J. Smallidge, A.M. Bailey and J.M Paul.
Sarah E. Gray was born in Toledo, Ohio, October 30, 1836 and spent her early life in that state. She was united in marriage with John S. Kingsley July 25, 1853 and in 1872 they came to Eau Claire and establish a home on the farm where death occurred; the husband passing away in October 1886. For a number of years previous to 1872 the Kingsleys resided near Niles.
Mrs. Kingsley was the mother of nine chidlren[sic], four of whom are now living. They are George Kingsley of Portland, Oregon, Mrs. Rose LaMore of Clearwater, Idaho; Robert Kingsley of Benton Harbor and William Kingsley, who resided with his mother at the old home. Besides these children, she is survived by one sister Mrs. M.A. Taylor of Berrien Springs, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Always a kindly, hospitable neighbor, and unselfish mother and an industrious housewife, Mrs. Kingsley had countless friends who are saddened by her demise and who sympathize with the bereaved relatives in their sorrow.