The Miami Union, Troy, Ohio

July 15, 1909 

Rebecca Hartman, whose maiden name was Sipes, was born July 1, 1834 in York County, PA., and died June 24, 1909, aged 74 years, 11 months and 23 days.

She was married to Henry A. Hartman April 2, 1855.  To them were born nine children.  One daughter died when four years old.  The eight living children are Daniel, Lewis B., Mrs. Sarah F. Widener, at whose home mother Hartman died, Mary E. Gephart, Benjamin F., Katie M. Foster, John H., and William A.  Her husband preceded her to the better land only four months ago.

She had been a member of the Christian church for forty years.  Mother Hartman was outspoken and frank, almost to a fault, in her opinions.  She was a splendid neighbor.

No one ever needed to go from her door hungry.  Her hospitality was known to all around her.  In the sick room the writer has known her for many years as she ministered to the wants of her neighbors.  Nothing she had was too good for them.  No night too dark for her to aid in hours of trial.  Her field of activity was to help the helpless.

She died suddenly of valvular disease of the heart in the twinkling of an eye her soul took its immortal flight to dwell with God who gave it.  She doubtless made mistakes; who that is mortal has not?  Into this open grave we place them today with her body.  Her kind heart that beat for others woes we shall remember through all the billowed years.  In God’s great treasure house her deeds of kindness shall gleam brighter than any gem from Golconda’s mines or heroic deeds on battle fields of human glory.

Her eight children, twenty-one grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren must ever remember that through trial, hardship and tribulations, through storm and vicissitudes incident to human life, a mother’s care, she made possible all of the happiness they enjoy, and as they climb the world’s great alter-stairs that slope through darkness up to God they will better understand her good qualities and believe the world is better for her having lived.

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