Obituary of Sarah (Shelley) Huffman

Sarah Shelley, the daughter of Eli and Abigail Shelley was born in Indiana on the 25th day of January, 1829, and fell asleep Thursday morning, Jan. 22, 1920, at Ripley, Illinois, at the time of her death lacking 4 days of being 91 years of age. On Jan. 21, 1848, she was united in marriage with Michael Huffman, who died Sept. 18, 1905, at Bloomington, Nebraska. To this union were born none children six of whom have preceded the mother to the "better land". The remaining children are Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson and Mrs. Adeline Cameron of Ripley, and Eli Huffman of DuBois [Boise], Idaho, also a sister, Mrs. Harrison Howell, of Ripley; a number of grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

At the early age of 14 years Sarah Huffman confessed her Savior and has remained a devoted follower of the lowly "Nazarene" for almost seventy-seven years. Many years ago when the M. E. Church was organized at Ripley she became a charter member and by strong Christian character helped nurse the little organization thru its infancy until it became strong enough to "walk alone".

For several years "Grandma" Huffman has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Gibson at Ripley and thus been able in her declining years to be near the church of her early choice.

Throughout her long life she has been a typical "Martha", always busy with whatever her hands could find to do. And of her it might truly be said: "Blessed is she--for her works shall praise her at the gates."

Funeral services were held Saturday at 11 o'clock in Ripley M. E. Church, conducted by Rev. J. C. Eninger of Mt. Sterling. Interment was at Marden Cemetery. [This is wrong. She was interred at Huffman Cemetery in Cooperstown, Brown County, Illinois.]

 

From the Franklin Sentinel (Nebraska), Feb. 12, 1920

 

Mrs. M Huffman

 

Mrs. M. Huffman, for many years a resident of this city, passed away 

on January 22, last, at the home of her daughter, in Ripley, 

Illinois. At the time of her death she lacked only four days of being 

91 years of age.

 

Sarah Shelley was born in Indiana on Jan. 25 1829. On Jan. 21, 1848 

she was united in marriage with Michael Huffman, who died at 

Bloomington, Nebr., on Sept. 18, 1905. To them were born nine 

children, six of whom have preceded the mother to the better land. 

Mrs. Huffman became a member of the church at fourteen and was one of 

the charter members of the M.E. church at Ripley, many years ago, 

again returning to the church in her old age, and passing away within 

its circle.

 

Mrs. Huffman had many friends in this county, where she and her 

husband lived for many years, and they mourn the passing of a 

faithful and kindly woman.=

 

Contributed by Sara Bristol

sarabristol@charter.net