Iowa Old Press
Sheldon Mail
Sheldon, O'Brien co. Iowa
Tuesday, August 14, 1900
Page 5, Column 5:
MRS ROBERT POTTER DEAD.
Passed Away Sunday After a Long and Severe Illness.
Mrs. Robert Potter, of whose illness Mail readers have
been informed from time to time during the many months of its
duration, died Sunday, the 12th inst., at the home of her son,
James Potter, in Carroll township, which was for many years the
home of the family. The old lady was ill for a long time in town.
Then she seemd to get better and she and her husband moved back
onto the old farm. Of late she became worse and failed steadily
until death came to her relief.
Sarah Daw was born in Brenchley Parrish, County of Kent, England,
May 29*, 1829. At the age of 21 she was married to Robert Potter,
who now lives to mourn her loss, and with whom she walked, a
faithful and devoted wife, for nearly fifty years. They came to
America in 1857 [Robert's obit says 1856], settling in Kane
county, Illinois, and from there they moved to Iowa in 1868
[Robert's obit says 1869], settling on their homestead in
Plymouth county, near LeMars, where they remained nine years,
moving to their present home in O'Brien county in 1877 [Robert's
obit says 1876].
To Robert and Sarah Potter were born eight children, five of whom
now live to mourn the loss of mother. A short funeral service of
song and prayer, Rev. Tainter of Archer in charge, occurred at
the house at 11 on Monday. At 1 o'clock a formal service,
conducted by Pastor H. G. Campbell and Rev. Tainter at the M. E.
Church was held in town and was largely attended by neighbors
from the country and by friends of the family in town.
The remains were taken to Seney, Plymouth county, for interment
beside the graves of two children, a son and a daughter, who died
in their youth many years ago. Former neighbors and friends, a
goodly number, met the sorrowing relatives and the remains at the
depot in Seney and accompanied them to the cemetery where a brief
final service was held. The Mail extends to the bereaved ones its
sympathy. They mourn the decease of a faithful wife and mother
and the community has lost a good woman.
[*Transcriber Note--Sarah's headstone and death record age
calculation put her day of birth at May 28, 1829]
[transcribed by V.R., January 2006]