Death of Mrs. S.M. Towne.
The community was shocked yesterday morning by the announcement of the death of Mrs. S.M. Towne, which occurred at 3:30. She had been suffering with obstipation of the bowels and all that medical aid and loving hands could do was done for her, but without avail. All of the Manning physicians and Dr. Johnson, of Perry, were consulted in the case but no aid could be rendered the patient sufferer.

Mrs. Towne's maiden name was Sarah A. Woodruff. She was born in New Marlboro, Mass., May 16, 1831. She lived at that place until when with her parents she moved to Rockford, Ill. It was here that she made the acquaintance of S.M. Towne and on Nov. 3, 1852, she was married to that gentleman. They lived at Rockford until 1872, when they, moved to Tipton, Cedar County, where they remained until 1874, at which time they again moved, coming to Carroll County, where they have since resided. The deceased joined the Congregational Church in 1851, and was a member of that denomination until the Congregationalist and Presbyterians consolidated at Carroll some years ago, since which time she has been a member of the latter church. Mr. and Mrs. Towne were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living and have arrived at the age of womanhood and manhood. They are Mrs. F.E. Pike, Perry; Mrs. H.C. Van Duzer, Defiance; and Bert L. who lives at home.

Mrs. Towne was a lovable woman, of kind disposition and always ready to assist those in trouble. The operators at the Milwaukee depot, in speaking of Mrs. Towne, said, with tears rolling down their cheeks, that she had been to them as a mother. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her, and many are the bursts of anguish that come from the hearts of her acquaintances. Mrs. Towne retained consciousness till within a few minutes of the last. She had been told the afternoon before that she could never recover, and calmly did she prepare for the Great Beyond. Her personal effects were distributed among her husband, children and friends, and even the hymns to be sung at her funeral and the text to be preached from were, chosen. Everything was minutely arranged and with the same composure as one who is about to make a long journey. Mrs. Towne did not fear death, she was ready to meet it, and furthermore she was prepared. But it seems sorrowful to her many friends that she should be stricken down at this time, when there is everything to live for a good home, a kind husband, a dutiful son, at home, and other children near by, besides the numerous friends. All mourn deeply the sad affliction that has befallen this family, and hope to be able to help bear the burden of grief which rests heavily on their hearts.

The funeral services will occur from the Presbyterian Church at 10 o'clock A.M. today, and be conducted by the Rev. A.W. Thompson. The remains will be taken to Carroll for interment.

March 24, 1887
Records and Memoriam.

The Presbyterian Ladies Aid Society met at the home of Mrs. Carpenter, March 14th, 1887, for the purpose of transacting business for the ensuing year, the regular annual meeting having been postponed on account of the serious illness of one of its members, Mrs. Sarah M. Towne. Meeting was called to order by President. Secretary being absent Mrs. Thompson was appointed Secretary pro-tem. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Mrs. W.F. Carpenter, President; Mrs. Ruby Clark, Vice-president; Mrs. E.C. Sharp, Secretary; Mrs. Guild, Treasurer; also the following church aid committees were appointed: Committee on social interests of the church, Mrs. Patton, Mrs. Pattison, Mrs. Reed; Committee on strangers, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Fouch, Mrs. Stotler, Mrs. Guild, Mrs. Winter and Mrs. Thompson. A letter from Mrs. Rice of Jefferson was then read asking for a contribution of five cents from each lady member of the Presbyterian Church to aid in the furnishing of the Mary Allen Seminary. Motion made and adopted to respond to the request. Motion passed that Mrs. Thompson be appointed to prepare resolutions in memory of Mrs. S.M. Towne. Motion made and passed to secure posters for the following Thursday evening Social. Ruby Clark was received as a member of the society. Adjournment to meet at Mrs. Arps March 24th at 2:30 P.M.
Mrs. E.C. Sharp, Secretary.

IN MEMORIAM.
Since it has pleased the Heavenly Father to remove from our midst, our much beloved sister Mrs. Sarah M. Towne and since her relation to the Presbyterian Church and Aid Society was so intimate, we deem it proper to Place on record of this society our appreciation of her Christian worth.
While we bow in humble submission to the will of God, tears of sorrow flow in remembrance of her whose lifelong companionship with Christ, so molded and tempered her spirit as to endear her in the intimacies and associations of her home. The church of Christ was very dear to her, and she always showed an earnest and intelligent interest in all that pertains to the advancement of Christ's kingdom. The deep undercurrent of her life was preeminently Christian, and was prominent above everything else. Her testimony for Christ was not of profession merely, but of sustained and devoted service to her Lord, so that she could well exclaim "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day."
Is it any wonder that the last hours of such a, life should have been serene and peaceful, enabling her to exclaim in anticipation of coming glory: "Only a step between me and Jesus."
While we cannot enter into her joys until God deems best, we will endeavor to imitate her example, her fidelity her willingness to do Christian work, regarding that such a life and death emphasizes the importance of consecration to Christ.
We tender our deepest sympathy to the family in the loss of wife and mother, and request that a copy of the above be sent to the deceased and to the press for publication.
MRS. S.J. THOMPSON.