OBITUARY

Mrs. Mahala Lee

Mahala D. Stanton was born near Elmira, Stuben County, New York*, September 28, 1825**, and was therefore a little over 79 years of age at the time of her death, January 17, 1905. Miss Stanton was married to Mr. Pearl and to them was born a son, Henry Pearl***, now residing in Carlton, Nebraska. The second marriage was to Mr. Ransom Monroe, and to this union was born thirteen children, of whom eleven attained maturity and eight survive both father and mother---Mrs. Sarah McFeely, of Chicago: Mrs. N.B. Noyes, of Buda, Ill: Lafayette Monroe of Carlton, Neb: Charles Monroe of Buda, Ill: Edgar Monroe of Norfork, Ark.: Rev. Isaac Monroe, pastor of the Baptist church, Fort Collins, Col.: Mrs. Cora Hoskins and Mrs. Bertha Van Hoosen, of Sunny Side, Washington.

In April 1884****, Mrs. Monroe was married to Mr. George Lee, who today shares with her children the grief caused by the departure of the soul of her, who for many years ministered as wife and mother. Mrs. Lee was converted under Elder McDermand and united with the Baptist church of Buda in 1877, and continued in membership until the time of her death. Her life was that of a mother, to whom came the care and anxiety of raising a large family.

For many years in the decline of life Mrs. Lee, by the infirmities of the body, was denied many of the pleasures of life. It is said of her that she was a hard worker and suffered much; and that in all these experiences she was able to bear with patience, ever mindful of the care she caused others when her own powers falling she was dependent upon them. Relatives who could be at her bedside lovingly ministered to her and other children and grandchildren whose homes are far distant will grieve that in her last days that privilege was denied them.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Wednesday afternoon, the pastor, Rev. H. E. Miles, officiating. He read James 5:18--- "Is any among you afflicted?...Let him pray." The term used here embodies the general idea of enduring suffering, and may apply to physical and mental experiences, or to enduring for Christ's sake. In the providence of God, affliction may test or chasten. The word carries with it the thought of suffering with patience. In so doing God is recognized and we are blessed by him. The attainment of this attitude comes by appealing unto God. "Let us pray" is the exhortation which encourages us to open our lives to the benign influences of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of Christ that our afflictions may bring a blessing. The Burial was in Hopeland cemetery.

CARD OF THANKS
We appreciate the kindness and sympathy of our friends in our recent sorrow and bereavement.
George Lee
Mrs. N. B. Noyes
Charles Monroe

Notes and corrections to the above record:

* The town of Elmira is not in Steuben County, NY, but rather is in the adjacent county of Chemung. The two oldest of Mahala's children were born in Chemung County (source: 1855 NY State Census). The family later moved to Steuben County, NY where the family can be found in the 1850 census with the surname spelled as Munroe. Various census records give her place of birth to be either New York state or Pennsylvania.

** Given a birth in the month of September, the 1850 - 1870 census records would indicate a birth closer to 1823.

*** Full name was William Henry Pearl. In the 1850 census he is shown as William H. Munroe.

**** The correct date of marriage was March 16, 1874 - Mr. George W. Lee to Mrs. Diana Monroe. Copy of marriage license on file at the Bureau County Courthouse.

(Buda Plain Dealer, January 20, 1905, submitted by Shelly Harris)