Hamilton - Sarah Kendal
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 14 June 1901
Sarah Matilda Kendal was born Nov. 3, 1833, married John Hamilton June 3, 1857; died June 2, 1901. To them were born ten children, nine of whom are living and attended the funeral, four sons and five daughters. The father died in January, 1892. Mrs. Hamilton continued to live on their farm near Bowers for some years, and then moved to Darlington where she continued to reside until her death.
Mrs. Hamilton was one of the pioneer women of Indiana, working hard, caring for her family, assisting her husband and taking her full share of all the hardships incident to a pioneer life. She joined the Methodist Church early in life and was as a ministering angel to the then thinly settled neighborhood. This she continued to be so long as her health permitted, and many a sick and dying couch was made more comfortable by the willing hands of Aunt Tilda.
With her, the preachers or a weary traveler was sure to find a haven of rest; with her the school teacher found a home, and for far and near the Hamilton home was known for its hospitality. Time brings many changes.
What was once a vast wilderness with its few scattered cabins is now fertile fields and beautiful homes, a new generation of people, and the old fathers and mothers remain only in memory dear.
Some years ago grandma was stricken with paralysis. Her condition was such she could only move with the aid of an assistant. One daughter was left to care for her, the remaining children near enough to her to be of great comfort and her last days were made as pleasant as kind hands could do.
Her funeral was held at the home Tuesday conducted by the Rev. J. C. Crowder, after which the body was laid to rest at the side of her husband in the beautiful new cemetery near Colfax. Thus ends the long and useful life of this good grandma. -s