Sarah Ann Pettigrove Colby

Published in the Adams County Press 20 Jul 1895

Provided by Phyllis D Wilson Purdy

Died Colby -- At her home in Easton, July 9, 1895, Sarah A Colby, widow of Jonathan C Colby who died 23 Jul 1887.

She was born at Calais, Maine, August 27, 1809. They were married April 25, 1838, at the place of her birth, moving to Topsfield in the same state, where they remained twelve years. They removed to Wisconsin in 1850, settling on the banks of White Creek near what is now the homestead. They were the first whites to build a dwelling in that part of the unsurveyed Indian reservation. Mrs Colby was the mother of nine children, two of whom died in early childhood. Three sons and four daughters still remain, viz: Thomas, residing at the old homestead; Warren I, living near by; William residing at Reseburg, Clark Co; Harriet A, wife of Andrew Waterman of the town of Springville; Lucy J, wife of William Eddy of Easton; Mary E, wife of Frank E York, Town of Barnum; Miss Annie E, residing at the old homestead.

Mrs Colby had been blind for the past ten years. The respect and affection of her children and the esteem of those who knew her as we have for many years, is a crowning testimony to her discipleship and fidelity to the lowly Nazarine, whose pupil she became in early youth. Before passing away, she selected for the theme of her funeral Eccl 12:6-7.

The services were held at East Easton, and were largely attended by a respectful, sympathizing people. The service of song was beautiful and appropriate. Kindly remembering the gentle spirit now gone, we laid the precious dust back in the ground from whence it came, remembering that we should no more see her face in the flesh.