Mrs. Francelia Mills Sanford was born in Utica, Dane Co., Wisconsin, Feb. 23, 1850.
In 1863 she moved with her parents from Waushara Co., where they had a short residence, to Dodge Center, Minnesota. When about 15 years of age she was baptized and joined the SDB church of this place. Here on July 3, 1873, she was married to Mr. Edmund P. Sanford at Wasioja, Minnesota. For many years they made their home at Dodge Center, during which time she was a consistent and earnest worker in the church, and was especially interested in the Sabbath school.
Since their removal from Dodge Center they have lived in various places and wherever she was they found her an active participant in the work of the Bible school. Their last place of residence was at Ulen, Minnesota. She was a sufferer for many years from heart trouble and suddenly on the night of Sept. 29. 1912, she passed to the home of many mansions.
One who know her best testifies that she was truly loyal to her Saviour and to the church of her faith and choice - a true Sabbath keeper in practice. It was her custom to tell her husband upon his return form work at night of what she had been reading during the day, and on the evening preceding her death she told him of what she had read in the Recorder of the missionary work in Africa. Ten children were born to them, 5 of whom are now living. These are Mrs. Grace Coalwell of Dodge Center, Claude, Edmund and Mrs. Alice Arre of Ulen, and Wallace of Makoti, North Dakota.
She was one of nine children of Samuel and Sarah Greene Mills, five of whom survive her. They are Mrs. Wallace Greene and Mrs. E. L. Sanford of Dodge Center, Mrs. Armstron of Minneapolis, Rollin of Hammond, Louisiana, and Rev. O. S. Mills of Milton Jct., Wisconsin. They with the devoted husband and children and a large company of relatives and friends mourn a faithful sister, a loving wife and mother and a loyal friend.
Funeral was conducted from the SDB Church in Dodge Center. The pastor preached from the text. 2 Cor. iv, 17, 18. Burial in Riverside Cemetery.
