Death of Mrs. J. W. Bailey
After an illness of several weeks duration, Mrs. J. W. Bailey died on Friday morning last at Dr. Haecker's hospital, where she was operated upon several days previous for an obstruction of the stomach. For two or three days following the operation it was thought that she would recover, but the ordeal proved too much for her weakened condition. For eight days she made a brave struggle to live then cheerfully gave up and her soul peacefully passed into eternity.

Sarah Catherine (Clayton) Bailey was born 1 June, 1850, at Monroe, Wisconsin, and died Friday, October 21, 1904, aged 54Y 5M 20D. She was married to J. W. Bailey, who survives her, on February 18, 1868. They resided in Wisconsin until 1869, when they moved to Davis County, Missouri, and in March 1875 came to Hampton and have since made this city their home.

One child, a daughter was born to them in November 1869, but the little one died when only 20 days old.

Mrs.Bailey waked with the Methodist church of this place in 1872; and has always been counted among its most loyal members. She possessed an unusually sunshiny disposition, and her ready wit and cordial hospitality gave her a prominent place in the social circles of our town. She has been an active member of the J.W. McKenzie Relief Corps, and at the time of her death was Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star lodge and president of the Ladies Aid Society of the M.E. Church. She filled many positions of honor and trust faithfully and well and was universally beloved by all who knew her. No woman of our acquaintance had more warm friends and her death leaves a vacancy in this community that will be difficult to fill.

The funeral service, held at the M.E.church on Sunday afternoon and conducted by her pastor, Rev. Gruwell, was largely attended. The floral offerings were elaborate and beautiful.

The following relatives and friends from abroad were here to attend the funeral: S.T.Clayton of Central City, Neb., and W.D. Clayton, brothers of the deceased; Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Bailey of Egan, South Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. Asa Bailey of Thornton; Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Bailey, Perry Bailey, and Ezra Balch, all of Mason City; Mr. and Mrs. Hopley of Thornton; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Bailey of Sheffield, and Mr. and Mrs. George Ilgenfritz from Aredale.
~ Franklin County Recorder, published Oct 26 1904.