Sardinia Estella Stillman, widow of the late Sylvanus C. Whitford, was born at the Stillman homestead, June 25, 1846, and died November 13. 1909, after many years of poor health. She was sick during her husband's sickness and death, but lingered three months and eleven days and then went to be with him, we trust, "in paradise." It is indeed sad for the children to lose father and mother in so short a time, but we can but feel there is a compensation to the departed ones, in not being separated but a little time, even in death.
Sister Whitford was the daughter of Silas and Almira Williams Stillman. Silas Stillman was the son of Silas Stillman Sr., who was one of the first settlers of this part of the country, coming here in 1818 and taking up the Stillman homestead, where our sister was born, and was married, where she and Brother Whitford lived most of their lives, and where they both died. Silas Stillman Sr. was the first supervisor of Alfred, but on March 21, 1821, the town of Almond was set off from Alfred, and this placed the Stillman homestead in Almond. Mrs. Whitford's father's sister, "Aunt Rebecca" Stillman. was the first white child born in the town of Alfred. Another aunt, Eusebia Stillman, is still living at York's Corners in the ninetieth year of her age.
Sister Whitford united with the Second Seventh-day Baptist Church of Alfred when about ten years of age. She loved truth and righteousness and had high standards. She was a good wife and mother. In early life she was a student at Alfred and taught some. In her last sickness we have been pleased to find such strong faith. Only a short time before her departure she expressed her readiness to go hence or to remain here, as pleased the Father, and still she would have been glad to remain with her already stricken home if it had been God's will. The funeral services were held at the church, conducted by the pastor. The choir sang some of her favorite hymns, and her remains were laid to rest beside her husband's in Alfred Rural Cemetery.
Sylvanus C. Whitford and Sardinia E. Stillman were married September 30, 1867, and were spared to each other nearly forty two years. They had four children, all of whom are living: Mrs. Mira W. Hunting of Plainfield, N. J., Mrs. Mary W. Odell. Schuyler S. Whitford and Miss Bertha May Whitford of this society, and three grandchildren. Their children and the grandchildren who have come to the years of understanding, have followed the parents in accepting the Christian faith and in uniting with the church. This is as beautiful as it is rare. As David said in his beautiful elegy, of Saul and Jonathan, they "were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided."
