The Sanford obituaries are copied from a handwritten letter copying them to Martha Stoops of Kempton, IN, from Polly Bowman of Windfall, IN in an envelope (stamp and postmark torn out) that must be 30-40 (or more) years old. [P. A. Hawkins - 5 Aug 2002.]

    After so long a time I have gotten to this obituary - be sure to look carefully over it for mistakes - in spelling or any other way.
    I wish you could come to our home coming one week from next Sunday (the first Sunday in Sep.). It is an all day affair - dinner on the ground. Tell Ivan for him and Edgar Ramsey and Sam Hughs to sing us a song or be ready to make a speech.

       Sarah Elizabeth (Shuck) Sanford was born March 21, 1845 in Shelby County Kentucky. She grew to womanhood in her native state and was married to John Peters of the same community. About 1857 two little girls were born in this home - Sarah M. and Martha A. Their father (Mr. Peters) died in 1866, leaving his young wife and the two little girls.
       In July 1869 she married Strother Sanford, he being of the same community and was born November 7, 1843. They with the two children left Kentucky the same year of their marriage coming to Indiana settling in Prairie Township, Tipton County. This country was comparatively new at that time, but the pioneers were people of vision. They went to work to bring to pass just what we see today; the modern home taking the place of "the cabin in the clearing," instead of marsh and bog we have fertile fields and green pastures, and our splendid roads in place of the "corduroy." This all means some one sacrificed and some one served - our young people will never understand what it cost to give to them these splendid privileges.
       They lived here until 1889 then moved to Missouri, living there and in Arkansas until ten years ago when they returned to their former home in Indiana. The little girls they brought with them from Kentucky grew up here and married in the county. Sarah M. married Joseph Pumphrey (now deceased). Martha A. married Irvin Stoops, both are now living and lived near their aged parents and gave them the best of care until death came to this father and mother within a few hours of each other - not separated long - their funerals at the same hour.
       Nine children were given Mr. & Mrs. Sanford. David H., Joseph W., and Mrs. Miranda C. Hamilton preceded the parents to the grave. The living ones are Mrs. Susie A. Scercy of St. Joseph, Mo., Jesse J. Sanford of Como, Mo., Mary L White of North Chicago, Ill., Lillie B. Bray of Warrensburg, Mo., and Daisy P. McDowel of Marmaduk, Ark.
       Mr. & Mrs. Sanford have been affiliated with the church most of their lives having united with the Baptist Church while living in Kentucky. When they came to this community there was a band of worshipers at the Whites Schoolhouse. They took their place with them. This finally became the Normanda Church. Later they removed their names to Liberty Baptist Church where it still remains.
       For nearly fifty-seven years these two have walked life's pathway together, sharing alike their sorrows and their joys. Sickness came - he has been almost helpless for near two years. She was so anxious about him, so concerned, she never thought of her self. Love never thinks of self and as they sat in the twilight or evening time of life, the shadows lengthening to the eastward, how they desired that they might just pass through the portals of death - together - as then the neither one would be left alone in the coming night. And for days the children have watched with tearful eyes and anxious hearts - knowing the destroyer was doing his work.
       "They were dying - sure and slow." And on Friday, April 2nd, 1926, the mother said, "I can't wait, I must go, " and passed through the Morning Gate into "The city four square," after a journey here of 81 years, 7 months, 11 days. He lingered a little while on the brink of the river just as though he might wave one more good by, when he to stepped into the ferry man's boat, and went to be with her, that only preceded him a few hours. Thus on Saturday at three o'clock April 3, 1926 he closed his life's journey of 82 years, 4 months, and 26 days. What a joy that the separation was so short a time and the reunion is forever. Instead of being surrounded by weeping children and friend, they were greeted by the hosts of Heaven. What a change, what a happy chance for the dear people who have suffered so much before, now they have been given beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
       Besides their children they have 40 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren and many friends.
        While these children are glad their parent's desire was granted, they are grieved at such a loss. The old home all gone, and in their grief they cry aloud, but the only answer is the echo of their wailing cry - from the voiceless lips of the dead there comes no sound.
        But, Hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.

For -
There is a land far away
'Mid the stars I am told
Where they know not the sorrows of time:
Where rivers of pleasure unceasingly roal
And life is a treasure sublime:
'Tis the Land of our God, 'tis the home of the soul
Where the way-worn traveler reaches his goal
On the ever green mountain of life.

Signed: Polly Couch Bowman

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