"Margaret Cochrane, the subject of this sketch, was born in Caven County, Ireland in 1824, and died after an illness of a few weeks, Nov, 1906 aged eighty-two years. She came from Ireland to America in 1848, and settled at Albany, N.Y. where she lived with an aunt until she came to West Union, Iowa in 1854. For the past fifty-two years she has lived in Fayette county; January 20, 1850, she was united in marriage to Myron Stafford, and for the past forty-six years she has been a true helpmeet, one who was always an affectionate wife and devoted mother, and who counted no sacrifice great if it would only add to the comfort and happiness of her family. She was the mother of four children, two of whom, together with her aged husband, three sisters, seven grand children and three great grand children, still survive her.

Mrs. Stafford was a woman of remarkable endurance and possessed what might well be called an iron constitution. Born amidst the salaubrious and invigorating climate of Ireland, simple in her life, and regular in her habits, she grew to womanhood a true type of perfect health and during the whole eight-two years of her life, she never had any serious sickness until within the past few weeks. In early childhood, she became a Christian and united with the old Presbyterian Church in Ireland. She never swerved from the faith of her childhood. Being of a quiet and retiring disposition, and a lover of her home she made very little demonstration in religious affairs, yet she always had a peaceful trust in Christ which became stronger as the day of life neared its close. During the last weeks of her life, although she knew the end was near, her faith in God did not waver. She frequently said she was ready to go, and would be glad when the last struggle was over and she could be at home with Jesus. We do not claim that she had no fault, neither do we say she lived a perfect life, because perfection, in the broadest meaning of the term, is not within the reach of man; but we do claim, that she was living a devoted Christian life, such as gave her the assurance that it was well with her soul; and that when her life neared its close, there was no dark valley, because Jesus was there to light the way.

It is true we shall miss her, and we would gladly have kept her if we could: but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. She has left a good testimony and some day we shall meet her in that home beyond the skies. In this hour of sore bereavement, may the sustaining grace of Jesus who has passed through all the trying experiences possible to man, keep us until our race is finished and our work is done. While as friends and neighbors we extend to the bereft our deep felt sympathy, we also commend them to the kind care of Him who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and thereby becomes able to assuage our sorrow and lighten our burden."

(from the West Union paper via the Fayette Co, historical Society and provided by Linda Stafford Israel)