Miami Union
Feb 25, 1897
Mrs. Caroline Harbaugh
Caroline Routzan Harbaugh was born in Middletown, Md., July 10, 1807, died in Casstown, Ohio Feb. 21, 1897, aged 89 years, 7 months and 11 days. Mother Harbaugh's life was uneventful and she needs no extended obituary. On the 12th of March, 1835, she was united in marriage in Frederick, Md., to Morgan M. Harbaugh, who preceded her to rest Feb. 18, 1894. In early life mother Harbaugh united with the Lutheran Church, and for three-quarters of a century she was a faithful Christian. In 1851, accompanied by her husband and four children, she came to Ohio, making the journey from Maryland, by stage and finding a home in Piqua. A few years later the family moved to Casstown.
Thirteen years ago the subject of this sketch became blind, but bore her affliction with Christian fortitude and uncomplainingly. In the midst of physical darkness her faith illumined her soul and with its eyes, as it were, she saw the glories of the inheritance which is now hers. Through all her years her memory remained unimpaired, running back to incidents of the War of 1812, and her ride across the mountains to help welcome General Lafayette to Frederick, in 1824.
Two severe falls since the death of her faithful husband hastened the end and at last she passed away as gently as a child drops into slumber. The angel kissed her and she slept. Through all the dark period of her life kind hands administered to her every want and loved ones anticipated her slightest wishes. Those who knew her best loved her most and in their hearts there will ever be an unfilled place. Ready at all times to enter the "valley of the shadows," she had her house always in order, for she knew that at eventide there would be light. Of her immediate relatives she leaves four sons, Samuel G., Charles M. and Thomas C., of Casstown, and Theodore R. of Attica, Ind.
We need not say farewell to mother, but rather "good night" for there dawns an eternal celestial morning.
The Lord who walked Judea's vales,
His precious truths revealing -
The sufferer of Gethsemane
Has touched her eyes with healing;
Eternal light dawns with His touch
And happiness is given,
While sweetly chime the bells of God
"No blind - no blind in Heaven!"
Funeral services were held in the Lutheran Church, Casstown, last Tuesday, by Rev. L. S. Keyser, of Dayton, assisted by Revs. Weaver and Sellers, of Troy. A good mother, a kind wife and a faithful Christian was laid to rest beside him who for fifty-nine years was her helpmate and who waited for her in that land where the faithful live forever and the weary are at rest. After all the sweetest earthly treasure one can possess is the memory of a good mother.
...........T.C.H.
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