St. Helens Mist , 17 Dec 1897, Friday
The sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. Sarah A. Graham, at Marshland, last Thursday morning, caused a profound impression in that community and among a large circle of her acquaintances. Mrs. Graham was the wife of Samuel Graham, sr., of Marshland, and the mother of a large family of sons and daughters, now grown to manhood and womanhood. She had not been feeling very well for a few days, and remarked that she thought as soon as the rain was over a little she would go to Clatskanie and visit her son, Silvo, and see the doctor, but the evening previous to her death she seemed no worse, though she did not retire until about 11 p.m. saying she felt better sitting up. After retiring, however, she seemed to sleep peacefully until about 5 a.m. her husband was awakened by feeling a cold hand about his neck, and was astonished to find that the spark of life had left the body, and his wife was dead. The children and friends were summoned and arrangements made for interment. Religious services were held on Friday at the house under the direction of Rev. Shannon, and the use of the steamer James B. Stewart was kindly tendered and used to convey friends from here to the funeral services, and to carry the corpse, with friends, to the steamer Shaver, to which they were transferred and taken to Portland, where it had been decided to inter the remains. Funeral services were held in Portland in the Congregational church at Sunnyside, where an opportunity was given R.P. Graham, Charles Graham, and Mrs. Bush to take a parting look at their dead mother, as they had not seen her before. Other friends also viewed the remains at the church, after which the funeral took place at Lone Fir cemetery. Deceased was 68 years, 7 months, and 9 days of age. A respected woman, a kind mother, an honored wife has passed away. Her memory will long be revered.
Contributor: Emily Jordan (47063153) •