Heath - Samuel - 1896
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 22 May 1896
Samuel Heath was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, Oct. 5, 1822, and died May 13, 1896, at the age of 73 years, 7 months, and 8 days.
He was married November 23, 1843 to Melinda Ham, who died June 19, 1876. Their union was blessed with four children, three of whom are still living. In May, 1877, he was married again to Miss Mary Brown, of Parke County, Ind., and for nineteen years they bore the cares and toils of life together. He was an honest, hard working, vigilant man, proving by his example that true industry and economy will bring success to anyone who will practice them in life.
In 1844 he united with the church and spent over fifty two years in its service. His father’s house was the home of the weary itinerants who broke up the soil from which has sprung such abundant harvests of souls in late years. So he, following the example of his father, always had a place in his home for the messengers of the gospel. There they received a hearty welcome and the atmosphere of the home was such that they felt it “their home” so long as they stayed with him.
Over thirty years he served as class leader and steward in the church, and was always ready to do his part in whatever way he might be called upon.For several months just preceding his death, he slowly yet surely failed in strength. Many times his suffering was very great, yet he was not heard to complain and all the time, it seems, entertained hopes of complete recovery, so far as his age would permit. And yet, as he often expressed it, he was ready to go. He was heard to say many times that it made little difference to him whether the Lord left him here or took him home. Two or three times he said the crossing was near and bade farewell to those by his side, saying that he was not afraid to die, and that Jesus was waiting for him. Such was his faith that he did not fear to face death knowing that the Lord walketh through the valley and shadow of death with those who trust in him. Long will he be missed in the place which he filled in the church and community.
He leaves a wife, three sons, Reason, Aaron H. and Squire S., and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss till they shall meet again in that brighter and happier land where death does not come, neither sighing nor tears.
The funeral services were held in the Methodist Church at Alamo on Friday at 11 a.m., Dr. Cissel, of Crawfordsville, officiating, assisted by Revs. McDaniel and Brown. Text, “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” The interment was at the Alamo Cemetery followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends.