Anson Perry Saunders, the second of the five children of Ethan and Cyrenia Thomas Saunders, was born in Darien, N. Y., Nov. 9, 1831, and died in Alfred, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1903.
He was converted under the labors of Elder Lebbeus M. Cottrell, was baptized and joined the Darien and Cowlesville Seventh-day Baptist church when about twenty years of age. June 2, 1853 be was married to Mary Jane Williams. Three of their four children survive him; Rhoda Jane, widow of the late Rev. O. D. Williams, of Boulder, Col.; Prin. Earl P. Saunders, Alfred, N. Y.; Prof. De Alton Saunders, Brookings, S. D. His first wife died March 1, 1885. On Sept. 1, 1886 he was married to Mrs. Susan Potter who survives him. With his own and his father's family he moved to Alfred in 1864 where he has since resided, for the past twenty-five years in the village. His membership was first transferred to the Second Alfred church, then to the First, of which he was a worthy member at the time of his death. He was a man of strong character and exemplary habits, honest in all his dealings, kind-hearted and generous. He was busy as highway commissioner until within four hours of his death. He was faithful in the discharge of duties entrusted to him. A year ago his fellow-citizens refused to release him from the office of Overseer of the Poor which he had held for several years. A business man says of him: "Whatever it cost him, he would do what he believed to be right." He had a passionate love for righteousness. He labored and voted for the prohibition of the liquor traffic. He had an affectionate heart and his memory will be cherished by all who were close enough to him to really know him. Services at the home, January 12, 1903. Text, Psalms 24: 3-5.
L. C. R.
