Another Early Settler Called

Mrs. Wm. Wilkins, one of the few early settlers left in this section, passed away at her home on west Washington street at 10 o’clock on Wednesday evening, January 18.

Sarah J. Allen was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 2, 1852 and came to Washington county in the fall of 1868 in a covered wagon at the age of 16 years.

She was married to Wm. M. Wilkins Feb. 11, 1873 and to this union twelve children were born, seven sons and five daughters. Of these three have preceded her to the great beyond, Freddie E., Eddie F. and Norman W. Those remaining to mourn the loss of a loving mother are Cleon, Albert, Grover and Chauncey of the sons and Mrs. Nellie Biffar, Mrs. Winifred Biffar, Mrs. Dora Peck, Mrs. Bessie Johns and Mrs. Nettie Petersen, all of whom reside in this county. Besides these she leaves thirty-nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one brother, A. T. Allen of Blair.

The husband passed away on Dec. 12, 1907. UP to that time they had made their home on the farm west of Blair which they homesteaded and which still remains in the family. After the death of the husband Mrs. Wilkins moved to Blair and has since made this her home.

She became a member of the Christian church in 1874 and still retained her membership at her death. Mrs. Wilkins was a quiet unassuming Christian character. A lady of refinement with a willing hand to assist those in need and was loved by those who knew her for her sterling Christian character. She will be missed not alone by the immediate family but also by a host of friends who will bear her the kindest of memories.

The funeral services were held Saturday at 1:30 o’clock from the home and at two o’clock from the Christian church with Rev. Hargett officiating.

The pall bearers for the last sad rites were six nephews; Loren Biffar, Woodrow Biffar, Marshall Wilkins, Albert E. Wilkins, Wm. Peck and Wm. Wilkins.

This closes the life of another of our early settlers, one who knew the privations of those early days and who met them always with a cheerful, hopeful spirit. Always setting an example of the highest type of living as she reared her family in the same faith that she had cherished as her life’s model and leaving the world when the last call came as one who had done her full duty in life when the last sleep came lying down as one to pleasant dreams.

Enterprise 21 Jan 1932

Card of Thanks

We desire to in this manner express our sincere appreciation for the many kindnesses shown us in our recent bereavement in the death of our dear mother, Mrs. Wm. Wilkins. We especially thank those who sent such beautiful floral offerings and those who furnished the music and Rev. Hargett for his words of sympathy.

Her Children

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~