From the Waterloo (Wi) Courier Sept. 11, 1891: At the home of her daughter in the town of York, Wednesday morning, Sept. 8th, 1891, Mrs. Sophia Stearns passed from this life. Mrs. Stearns has always been a healthy and active women and her death was a surprise to all. On the morning of her death, she was apparently as strong as usual, but in going into her bedroom, she fell as if in a faint. She was assisted onto her bed, where a few moments later she was a corpes. Hers was an exemplary life. She had always been active in upholding the doctrine taught by the Congregational Church. She was born in Vermont in 1803 and lived with her parents until 1829 when she was united in marriage to David. E. Emery. A short time afterward they moved to New York City which place had been their home for quite a number of years. Concluding that the west offered better inducements, in 1841 they migrated westward and settled on a farm near Lake Mills, and in 1844 they moved onto the farm in the town of York now owned by W.H. Cole. Ten years l!   ater her husband died and she and her children continued to reside at the same place. Her children having all got married, about eighteen years ago, she went back to her old home in Vermont and a short time afterwards was united in marriage to a man named Stearns, who died two years ago. Last March she came back here and had since lived with her daughter, Mrs. W.H. Cole. Two daughters, Mrs. W.H. Cole, and Mrs. Abner Pettey, and one son, Levy Emery are left to mourn her loss. Her only son arrived here the evening after her burial. The funeral services were held at M.E. Church 2pm Wednesday, Rev. Ferris of the Columbus Congregational Church officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest in the village cemetery. - ---------------------------- Above is an item I found that I thought might interest you. Jan Jordan P.S. Author's note: Sophia Stearns was born Sophia Burnap, daughter of John Burnap and Candace Bliss of Windham County, Vermont.