Sarah Frances Baldwin

Genie Maude Wilson writes, "Mr. Holland, our neighbor, had brought him word that Aunt Sallie, Papa's only sister, had died that morning in Cartersville while visiting Grandpa's baby sister, Mrs. Bob Patillo. She was our Aunt Fannie. Aunt Sallie was taken down sick and was so bad that Uncle Bob called Grandma to come and help nurse her. After a day or two, the doctor told Grandma to call Grandpa for he feared Aunt Sallie would not live. She had died that morning and they would bring her body home as soon as possible to bury her in the Madison Cemetery. All of us joined Papa, and Mama said, "We all loved her too much.""

A NOBLE LIFE ENDED

ONE OF OUR MOST LOVABLE YOUNG LADIES DIES IN CARTERSVILLE

After a Short Illness Miss Sarah Frances Baldwin Passes From Earthly Care to Endless Bliss Beyond

No greater shadow of gloom and sorrow was ever cast over our city than that occasioned on Saturday morning last on the news of the death of Miss Sallie Baldwin at the home of her aunt, Mrs. R.M. Pattillo, in Cartersville. Many of our people and her friends knew of her illness with typhoid fever, for several days, but the past few days quite favorable reports had been received from her by her parents. On Thursday, her mother went to attend her, thinking she was improving and out of danger. That day, however, a change for the worse came, and when her mother reached her bedside found her unconscious and fast failing. Mr. Baldwin was telegraphed for on Sunday morning, and left immediately. A few minutes after he left a message was received announcing her death, which occurred at ten o'clock that morning.

The remains reached here at 10:48 Sunday morning, and were met at the depot by a large crowd of sorrowing friends and relatives. They were at once escorted to the Baptist church from which the funeral occurred at 11:15. The services were conducted by the Rev. P.M. Ryburn in a very touching manner, assisted by the Revs. G.W. Argabrite and T.G. Burgess. Dr. Ryburn chose as a text : "Psalms 39:iv: "Lord, make me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am." His sermon and eulogy to the deceased was a touching and beautiful one, and strikingly appropriate to her excellent and untarnished character.

The pall bearers were Messrs. C.A. Sanders, J.H. Williford, E.W. Bigham, Claude Peteet, J.E. Godfrey, W.L. Godfrey, P.W. Walton, Jim Penick, and Joshua Hill. Several beautiful selections were rendered by the choir, especially touching being the duet, "Asleep in Jesus," by Misses Anna Black and Mary Josie Walton, it being the favorite hymn of Miss Walton in life. The beautiful snow white casket was opened at the conclusion of the services, and many friends and relatives crowded around to take a last fond look at the dearly loved one.

The long funeral procession then wended its way to the cemetery, followed by a large crowd of sorrowing friends to pay the last sad tribute to the friend they loved so well in life. The body was laid to rest with solemn service, and the face so beautiful and radiant in life was shut out of view from mortals forever. The new-made grave was covered with beautiful floral offerings presented by admiring and sympathetic friends.

The death of this young lady was a peculiarly sad one, and had shed a gloom over our people, all of whom knew and loved her. No young lady of our city was more universally popular, and young and old alike loved her for her noble virtues and her even, sweet disposition.

She was the only daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Chas. W. Baldwin, and was idolized by her parents and five brothers. Her amiable and attractive disposition, rare culture and refinement made her quite popular and admired whenever known, and the death of no young lady of our city would have occasioned more sincere universal regret. She was born on February 14th, 1874, and was educated in this place and Cartersville. She was a graduate at the State Normal College in Athens. Early in life she united with the Baptist church, and her life was in happy conformity with the faith she professed.

For several years, she had taught school in the county, teaching at Pennington, Enterprise and other places. This past year she had taught at Godfrey, at which place she expected to resume her school shortly. By her splendid intellect, marked ability and excellent disposition she had readily won the esteem of her every patron and pupil, and deeply moved were they when they learned of her death.

To the bereaved parents and brother go out the sincere sympathy and condolence of our entire people in their hour of sore bereavement. May the God of mercy temper their affliction and prepare them to meet her in the brighter world. Her death is but a transition from earth to the beautiful home of the blessed, where she awaits them with a crown of rejoicing and the blessing of eternal life. Her mission on earth is ended, her life work o'er. That her life was a golden benediction to those who knew her well none can deny. Her noble life is well worthy of emulation and her beautiful Christian character a worthy example. In peace she rests in the arms of the blessed Redeemer she loved and served. Her counsels and teachings will long live in the hearts of those who knew her best, and her good works form a diadem of resplendent brilliance for her in her celestial home.

Page 5 of The Weekly Madisonian, published in Madison, Georgia on Friday, August 13th, 1897