Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-07-19
From the N. Y. Evangelist Of June 3D.
A SCENE on THE PRAIRIE:

the 2lst OF May, 1874, funeral pro-
cessiOri moved slowly along the
prairie and up the slope OF little hill,
4 a short distance from a village in
southern Kansas. All around, as far
as the eye could reach, was Veruure
and beauty. Flowers Of every hue
waved in the breeze, but all was seen
through binding tears. The whole
assembly were mourners. Two only
Of the kindred were there-the moth
er and the bereaved husband. When
the dear cold form had been lowered
to its last resting place, quivering lips,
In soft plaintive tones, sang,
''My God. my Father, while I stay
Far from my home on life's rough way
. teach me from my heart, 20 say
Thy viii be done"
"If Thou should'st call me 70 resign
What most I priZs-it ne'eT was mine,
] / Ionly yield Thee what was Thine
Thy viii be DONE
Into crushed hearts came peace and
healing: "Thy will be done-Thy
will be done' seemed floating over the
prairieas though from angelic tongues:
| the waving flowers repeated it, and
mourning hearts responded Amen.
But whose was the loved form thus
laid to sleep in that prairie land? Il
was that OF Sarah E. Hoisington, wife
of Rev. Samuel A. StOddard, and
daughter Of the late Rev. H. X. Hois-
ingtOn, who for seventeen years was
a devoted missionary in the island OF
CeylOn. ..
Mrs. Stoddard was born at BatticOt-
"a in that island, in 1885, was brought
A nF
age, and was left here by her parents
when they returned to their distant
field of labor. This separation, 70
her loving, clinEing nature, was sor-
row which cast its shadow over
her young life, and left its impress
upon her character for years. When
after six years absence, her father
was forced by failing health TO return
to America, Sarah was permitted to be
with her parents again for a short
time; but the necessity Of acquiring
an education soon took her from home.
She graduated from the Seminary in
Ipswich, Mass, and after q short time
entered upon her vocation as teacher.
In this department she woman envia-.
BILE reputation, and many young
hearts will be touched with sorrow by
the announcement Of her death. She
taught in EastOn, Penn, for nearly
five years; in Cleveland, Ohio, for two
years; and was engaged in young Ia
dies school in New York city, when
she decided to leave the refinements
and privileges she had so long enjoy
ed, and became the wife of one ofthat
band Of labOrers who went to Kansas
three years ago to preach the Gospel
on those Western Prairies. With her
husband she went to his appointed
field, HOltOn, in northern Kansas
Here she entered upon her work with
enthusiasm. She was organist; led the
choir; trained this children OF the Sab
beth-schoOl in singing; taught class
in the school; and all this amid many
discouragements, and with health i'm
paired by exposure and hardships.
\ Late last Autumn, Mr.. StOddard
accepted an invitation to become pas
tor OF the Presbyterian church in In
dependence, in southern Kansas. Mrs.
Stoddard came here feeble, and was
able TO go out but few times after her
arrival. She found here q society OF
intelligent, cultivated Christian ladies
who took her into their affection, and
showed her every attention in their
power.
For many weeks, 1t appears, she
had q strong presentiment that her
end was near. This she would not inn
part to her husband, "for it would dis
tress hin" She gave directions to her
friends concerning household matters
and begged them 70 do all they could
ITO comfort mother when she comes.n
''She is coming, but I shall not be
here" was her sad predietion,-too
nearly fulfilled, for before her arrival
she had sunk into an unconscious
state, from which the mueh-longed-
for tones OF her mothers voice could
not rouse her.
On the 2Oth day Of May, three years
from the day he led her to the mar
riage altar, her husband, as he mourn
fully says, went down with her to I
the banks of Jordan, ,nand received the
last message, delivered with painting
breath, "lSOtU-SOtC-sOtU the seed
SOtO-bV all tOdters." Then came the |
loving farewell, and as he says, "T
gave her back to the Giver." Her in
tellect soon after was eclipsed, to 1
emerge, a few hours later, into the
everlasting glory Of the redeemed.
And now the stricken husband is /
girding himself to Ego forth weeping, |
bearing precious seed." .--.-- 90. = |
The Rev. Mr.. McCreery, Of Ghetto
pah, preached an impressive sermon /
On the Sabbath following the funeral,
10 a large audience in the town hall.
Mrs. StOddard was the first one called I
from this little church, to join the /
above. tfffa
Way this dispensatiOn Of God rem
Ter the laborers who still remain in
he vineyard more faithful in their
till He come who shall gath
sr together in one all His people, and
-eign with them forever and ever.