CHURCH FUNERAL NOTICE OF DEATH The following ...[newspaper corner torn]...was presented by the Pastor... [newspaper corner torn] ...of the M.E. church, at the funeral of Mrs. D. H. Sanford, which took place from her late residence, on North Warren Avenue, on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 14, 1886.: Arthalinda I. Sanford was born in Ontario, Canada, April 3rd, 1946, and died in Big Rapids, Mich., Oct. 12th, 1886 aged forty years, six months and nine days.

She was converted when about seventeen years of age, and shortly after united with the Methodist Episcopal church, remaining a faithful member of the same till her death. On July 23rd, 1865, she was married to David H. Sanford, in Lowell, this State, and for twenty-one years was a faithful wife to the one who sits to-day in loneliness and grief. They lived together in Lowell about two years, in Cedar Springs three years, and finally removed to Big Rapids nine years ago, which place has since been their home. Four children, three girls and one boy, were born to them.

Sister Sanford was a member of the Ladies Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the same organization, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union the Good Templars and the Sisters of Rebecca--more than all these, she was a member of the church. While faithful to the interests of all the orders to which she belonged, I think I may truthfully say of her what ought to be said of everyone of us, her church was first.

Of course, I did not know her personally. I called upon her twice, but so ill was she that extended conversation was impracticable. I am informed, however, that Sister Sanford's qualities shown brightest in her home. Home is woman's kingdom. This sister ruled her's well. While we shall miss her in the church and in these societies, those in the home will feel a blank absence which only the ones who have experienced can know.

Something over a year ago, the disease, which terminated so fatally, fastened itself upon her. Hers was an illness of great suffering, and as I look upon her so placid and quiet today, I cannot but feel grateful that now she is where there is no more pain. The day before she died, as I was leaving, I suggested prayer. She said, "Oh, yes; pray with me always," and upon the conclusion of the petition she very distinctly said, "Amen." With her prayer has given place to praise.

Sister Sanford has gone. Gone from pain, from care, from perplexity, from earthstains; gone from darkness into light. She has gone to rest; gone to reunion; gone to the bosom of her God; gone home.

She is beyond us; but what of those she has left behind? Ah! yes. We awaken sometime to the great truth that, after all, 'tis not the hardest thing to die, but, rather, to live.

We are in the world yet. Heaven has not come to us. We are not ready for its joys. We are still in the formative state, surrounded by the best chances God can give us for developing such a character as shall not shame us at last. May the Great Elder Brother comfort those bereaved hearts as none other can, for He has a way of whispering words of sympathy and reunion into the ears of those who have learned to understand Him, which help and brighten grieving sorrow wonderfully. May the Great Teacher help the living not to squander time and chances, but to learn the lesson earth experience would bring.

May the Great Savior bring us all to that city where no mourner's cry is heard, where there are no coffins, no shrouds, no graves; but where every inhabitant is vigorous with the immortal health of God, "for there shall be no more death there"

Arthalinda died of cancer according to record of Clerks Office, Big Rapids. Buried at: Highland View Cemetery, Big Rapids Township, Bellevue Street, Big Rapids, MI, Section H, along with her husband, David Henry and children Susan Sanford Bement and Emerson Sanford. (Source: Diane Warneke, Ceder Springs, Michigan; June 1998) ________________________

DEATH RECORD - Return of Deaths in the County of Mecosta for the year ending Dec. 31, 1886: Record No: 32; Date of Death: 12 Oct 1886; Name: Linda Sanford; Age: 40, married; Cause of Death: Cancer; Place of Birth: Canada; Father: David Tanner; Mother: Mary Montague; Residence: 2nd Ward, City of Big Rapids. (Source: Mecosta Co. Records, Death, Book A, p. 106) (Provided by: Diane Warneke, Ceder Springs, Michigan; May 1999) ________________________

OBITUARY - "Big Rapids Pioneer", Oct 13, 1886, "Death of Mrs. D. H. Sanford" After an illness extending through a period of nearly thirteen months, the death of Mrs. D. H. Sanford is announced, having occurred at her home in the second ward at about five o'clock last evening.

During all of her suffering, Mrs. Sanford maintained a cheerful, hopeful disposition, patiently bearing her affliction after all hope of her recovery had been abandoned. In more ways than one was Mrs. Sanford a superior woman, and outside of her own household will she be sadly missed in all movements of a benevolent or charitable nature. Mrs. Sanford was ever prominent, and her Christian influence will long be felt in the community where she has labored so faithfully.

Deceased was born in Ontario, in April, 1848, and was married to Mr. Sanford in 1865, in the village of Lowell, this state (Michigan). In 1877, the family removed to this city, which has since been their home. A son and three daughters are left to sympathize with the bereaved husband, and a host of warm friends are called upon to share in the affliction which takes from them a worthy friend.

Suitable funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock, under the direction of the pastor of the M.E. Church, of which deceased was a devoted member. (Provided by: Diane Warneke, Ceder Springs, Michigan; May 1999) ________________________

MASONIC FUNERAL NOTICE The members of Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, F.+A.M., and sojourning Masons, are hereby notified of the death of the wife of our brother, D. H. Sanford. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock. All Master Masons are invited and requested to assemble at Masonic Hall at half past one o'clock tomorrow afternoon, to attend the funeral as escort. Charlie Gay, W. M. Big Rapids, Oct. 13, 1886. (Provided by: Diane Warneke, Ceder Springs, Michigan; May 1999) ________________________

FRATERNAL FUNERAL NOTICE "Special Order" Headquarters Post Andrews, No. 294, Big Rapids, Oct. 13, 1886. The Members of the Post are hereby ordered to assemble at Post Hall tomorrow, Oct. 14th, at 1:30 p.m. for purpose of attending the funeral of Mrs. Sanford, wife of our comrade, D. H. Sanford. Full uniform will be worn with parade badge, white gloves, and cane. Carriages will be provided for such comrades as are unable to march with the Post. A full attendance is earnestly desired. By order R. B. Hughes, Post Commander. M. Brown, Adj.

Buried at: Highland View Cemetery; Section H; Big Rapids Township Bellevue Street; Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., Michigan. She lies along side of her husband, David Henry, and children, Susan Sanford Bement and Emerson Sanford. (Provided by: Diane Warneke, Ceder Springs, Michigan; May 1999)