DEATH OF SISTER RANDALL STEWART.
By Uriah Smith
MRS. SARAH MARIA STEWART, whose maiden name was Hawkes, was born in St. Albans, Me., Feb. 4, 1826, and died in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, April 26, 1900, aged 74 years, 2 months, and 22 days. Thus a little more than the threescore and ten years, mentioned in the prayer of Moses, as the span of human life, was hers to enjoy. Her early years were spent in association with that body of Christians known as Friends, with whom her parents and immediate relatives were connected. Thus the young and formative years of her life were spent in association with those who devoted their energies to the cultivation of that stalwart integrity and honesty of purpose which have ever characterized that denomination, and to the fostering of the Christian graces which lie at the foundation of a genuine religious experience. At the age of nineteen, she was married to Mr. Randall Stewart, whose death occurred in 1894. Had he lived another year, they would have been able to celebrate their golden wedding. They came to Battle Creek in 1878, and soon became members of the church here, who have thus had the privilege of years of pleasant acquaintance with the family, marking their integrity of character, and their uniform devotion to the principles of godly living. Ten children, seven daughters and three sons, were born to them. Of these, five of the daughters are still living, all established in homes of their own, and occupying positions of responsibility and usefulness in the cause of present truth, thus testifying to the efficiency of faithful and loving parental training. Since the death of Brother Stewart, in 1894, Sister Stewart had made her home with her children, Professor and Mrs. Field, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where her death occurred, as stated above. An attack of pneumonia, in February last, proved to be her final sickness. Against this, nature bravely struggled till April 26, when she fell a victim to the disease, on the fifty-fifth anniversary of her marriage. With cheerfulness and patience born of a well-founded Christian hope, she endured calmly all her sufferings, which were at times severe, and leaning trustfully on the arm of her Saviour, she entered into rest. The subjects of this notice have been so widely known among our people, especially through the acquaintance and labors of the children, that these particulars will be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW. A large congregation assembled at the funeral at the Tabernacle, April 28.