Sarah Minerva (Fuller) Harris (1814 - 1893)

Born 1 Aug 1814 in Grafton Town, Windham County, Vermont

Ancestors

Wife of Edward Lansing Harris — married 31 Aug 1843 in Pike Town, Wyoming County, New York

Descendants

Died 23 Jul 1893 at age 78 in Darien Town, Walworth County, Wisconsin

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Biography

Sarah was born in 1814. She was the daughter of Cyrenius Fuller and Achsah Smith. She passed away in 1893. ^[1]

Obituary

MRS. SARAH M. HARRIS

Died,—At her home near Delavan, Wis., on the 23d day of July, 1893, Mrs. Sarah M., wife of Eld. E. L. Harris.

She was born in Grafton, Vermont, Aug. 1st, 1814. She gave her heart to Christ, and through a deep intelligent conviction, united with the Baptist Church in her young womanhood. After completing her education at Hamilton, N. Y., she was married to Rev. E. L. Harris Aug. 30, 1843, and with him came to Wisconsin in 1850.

Their first home in our State was at Beloit, where she gave her wise assistance to make successful the earnest and effective labor of her husband, then pastor of the First Baptist church of that city. Four years after they moved their farm near Delavan, and here remained till our good sister went to the better home above. Such is the outline of a life whose beauty and usefulness cannot well be reproduced in words.

The universal testimony of those who knew her was of a rare, unselfish life, never thinking of herself, if others could be helped; and a christian life consecrated to her Master's service in a way so true, so useful, that everyone [with] whom she came in contact felt its wonderful influence.

She was a pastor's daughter, and was thus, as her husband testifies of more than usual profit and blessing to him in his ministerial labors. The marriage took place at the close of the ordination services of our brother, and was a fitting beginning of that union in christian service which continued so long.

In her youth she desired to enter the Mission Field, and always cherished a deep interest in this work, taking such part in the mission circles and services at home as was possible.

But it is hard to say that anything was second, with reference to the Kingdom of God, in her great heart of love for Christ. Whatever she might do to assist her husband in the various pastorates held by him in the east and west, she gladly did as one devoted to her Master's interests.

Perhaps no better summary need be given than the words of her husband in the hour of his great sorrow, "No man ever had a better wife, no children a better mother."

For some months the feebleness of age had been aggravated by a stroke of paralysis. But the loving care of the husband and devotion of her children had made as smooth as possible the path to the Chill river, -- and the crossing may be assured, through the faithfulness of the Saviour, was one of safety and triumph.

She quietly breathed out her life, falling asleep in Jesus.

The last of August would have been the 50th anniversary of her marriage, but God had better things in store for her and took her home where she shall have part in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Dr. Fuller Harris, of Chicago, was permitted to be present at the last hours of his mother to his own mournful satisfaction, and the great comfort of the family.

One sister left to sorrow for her, beside her husband and two children, a son by adoption, a brother Dea. C. M. Fuller, and two sisters, with many relatives, all of whom have the sympathy of a large circle of friends, that yet also grieve over the ending of a noble life.

But if there seems darkness now the future is bright with promise. We shall meet again.

The funeral services were held at the house Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor of the Church of which our sister was a member, Rev. C. A. Hobbs, speaking from the words: "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."^[2]

Sources

No sources. The events of Sarah's life were either witnessed by Charles Oliver or Charles plans to add sources here later.

Footnotes

1. ↑ Entered by Charles Oliver, Thursday, December 12, 2013.
2. ↑ The Delavan Enterprise, Delavan, Wisconsin, Thursday, 27 July 1893, page 3, column 4.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Charles Oliver for creating Fuller-3511 on 12 Dec 13. Click the Changes tab for the details on contributions by Charles and others.