Mercy Crandall, seventh child of Oliver Chase and Abigail West Crandall, and sister of the late Rev. Lucius Crandall, was born in Brookfield, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1807, and died in the town of Milton, Wis., March 21, 1905, in the ninety-eighth year of her age.
For more than eight years she has been tenderly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. John Ashley. January 14, 1832, she was united in marriage with Henry J. Garthwaite. Eight children were born to them, six of whom, four sons and two daughters, are still living. Of her descendants, there are twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Sister Garthwaite made a public profession of the religion of Jesus Christ and united with the Seventh-day Baptist church of Scott, N. Y., in 1833, so she had been in the Christian service about seventy-two years. She has spoken to the writer of the imperfectness of her service, but never of a desire to give it up, or to rid herself of its responsibilities. She has been weary in the service, but never weary of it. At the time the Rock River Seventh-day Baptist church was organized, she and her husband, became members of it by presenting letters of standing from the church at Scott, N. Y. After so many years of service in the Army of the Lord, she has been promoted to the higher realm of service, where she will see the Master, face to face. 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.' G. J. C.
