Wife of Samuel Bates, first deacon of the advent Christian church of Winona, MN. After 4 years of suffering and pain, fell sweetly "asleep in Jesus" January 16, 1872, age 50 years, 4 months, and 14 days. Sister Bates was a native of New England and found Christ precious to her soul. In her eastern home, in company with her husband and niece, Marietta Bates, daughter of David Bates of Blandford, Mass. who has since fallen asleep. She was baptized Feb. 1854 by Elder Miles Grant of Russell, Mass. She came with her husband to Minnesota May 3, 1855. They made them a pleaseant home in the valley of the Rolling Stone, several miles from Winona, where they have resided since. She was among the first and most earnest to contend "for the faith once delivered to the saints." In this new state and at all times and under all circumstances "adorned by the doctrine of God her savior by a well ordered life and a godly conversation". She loved the house of God and the place of prayer and at all times traveled "many weary miles when this country was new to meet with those of like precious faith and listen to the preaching of the word, was as like manna to her soul." Four years since she was visited by a very trying and lingering sickness which served to bring out and develop every Christian grace with such perfection and beauty common that all who were privileged to meet and converse with her felt that she had been with Jesus. Four years in suffering and trial she walked through "valley and shadow of death", leaning upon the arms of Jesus, never repining, but speaking of his goodness, and talking of his power to her companion, molding the minds of her daughter and son. A blessed light to the church of which she was a member and a living witness of the religion of Christ to sustain it's possessor in cheerful and holy joy under the most trying circumstances. Our ablest advent preachers, when visiting this part of the state, felt their visit was not complete without an interview with the suffering saint. She received great comfort and consolation from the visitors of the elders O.R. Fassett and wife, when in this state. She often referred to his last visit to her home. She was deeply attached to her beloved Elder Edwin T. Hines, recently deceased, who often visited her and administered the sacrament to her in her home. The last effort she made was to prepare something to send him in his sickness "I am not too tired, I cannot say but little for him", said she, but tell him God bless him. Her husband started to visit the elder. His hand was upon the latch when she said "Samuel". He turned and saw that she was dying. She realized it and said "Lord Jesus, receive me" and was no more. Her funeral was attended by a large concourse of people when words of comfort agreeable to her request were spoken by the writer. Address by Rev. 14:13 "blessed are the dead that die in the Lord". As many as could of the Winona Church were present and followed her remains to the place of burial, as with friends and neighbors, they surround that open grave united in singing.