Sarah Harper, the wife of John C. Harper was born in Hamilton county, Dec. 22, 1857; departed this life May 21, 1929 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. C. Thomas.

She was the daughter of B. T. M. and Mary Ann Pemberton, now deceased.  Sarah was married J. C. Harper on March 4, 1890, and to this union three children were born: Terrell, Clyde and Eva.  Besides these children, she was mother to three step children: Effie, Daisy and Edward Harper.  Effie preceded her in death 29 years ago, and Terrell 10 months ago.

She filled her place as mother to the fullest extent, always having that ambition and desire that her children should become noble Christian men and women.

In her early womanhood, she was one of the best and most highly praised public school teachers of the county, having taught several years satisfactorily and efficiently.

Mrs. Harper had been a member of the First Christian Church in this city for a great number of years.  It can be said of her as of old--"She hath done what she could in every capacity."  She was always happy in taking her place in all activities of the church and will be greatly missed in the Sunday School and Ladies Aid.

Mrs. Harper had been a patient sufferer for several months and was always cheerful, saying "that she would soon be up again," but not so.  The cares of life have been folded away, and she has passed into that life where suffering and trouble are unknown.

Her husband preceded her in death in April, 1918.  In her passing she leaves to grieve for her gentle presence, one son, J. C. Harper of Evansville, Ind., one daughter, Mrs. M. C. Thomas, one step daughter, Mrs. A. Z. Pemberton, both of this city, one step son, Edward Harper of Alton, Ill., and one grandchild, Lillian Harper of this city, two sisters, Mrs. C. Cantrell of Hamburg, Ill., and Mrs. Nola McGhee of McLeansboro, four brothers, J. M. of Eldorado, W. T. and A. Z. of McLeansboro, and B. F. of Stigler, Okla.  Besides these, there are many other relatives and a host of friends who will miss her.

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."-- "God's finger touched her and she slept."

Funeral services were held at the First Christian Church May 23, at ? p.m. Rev. Henry Kello of Carmi, delivered a very impressive sermon, paying beautiful tribute to motherhood.  Interment took place in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

Carol's Note:

John Cardwell Harper (b. Sept. 22, 1848 Putman Co., TN; d. April 10, 1918 Hamilton Co., IL) married 1. Sarah Frances Price (b. Dec. 22, 1857; d. September 3, 1888 Hamilton Co., IL) on October 30, Hamilton Co., IL and married 2. Sarah B. Pemberton March 5, 1890, Hamilton Co., IL.  John C. Harper is buried in Ten Mile cemetery.