Edmund Parnell Sanford, son of Elias and Elvira Sanford, was born in Davis Co., Illinois, Dec. 17, 1850. His parents moved west and took a claim in Dodge Co., MN in 1856, where he grew to manhood.
On July 3, 1873, he was married to Francelia A. Mills, who preceded him to the Great Beyond Sept. 28, 1912. Ten children were born to this union, 5 of whom survive to mourn the loss of a devoted father. Mrs. Grace Coalwell, Mrs. Alice Arre, Claud H. Sanford of Ulen; Edmund R. Sanford of Hawley, and Wallace N. Sanford of Bowbells, North Dakota. Also 2 sisters, Mrs. Mary Morton of Fresco, California; Mrs. Louisa Stevens, of Mantorville, Minnesota; 2 brothers, Elias A. Sanford of Faribault, Elmer Sanford of Dodge Center and 19 grandchildren.
In the spring of 1903, he moved from this community to Minneapolis, where he made his home until the spring of 1907, when he moved to Ulen, residing there until death. While living here at Dodge Center he was a consistent member of the Methodist church.
At Ulen he united with the Congregational church, and for several years was superintendent of the Sunday School connected with it.
He suffered a stroke of paralysis on Apr. 12, and passed away on the 17th, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. L. Coalwell. The 5 children and 2 brothers were at his bedside.
The funeral services were held at Ulen, and the body brought to Dodge Center for interment. At 3 p.m. on Sunday a short service was held in the home of his brother Elmer, conducted by the Rev. Everett Hall, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church after which the remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. A large number of friends attended the services.
The relatives wish to express their sincere thanks to those who so kindly assisted them during the burial of their father and brother.
