OBITUARY.

Mellnda C. Hancock was born near Carey, Hancock county, Ohio, August 5, 1846. She was the fifth daughter of William and Emily Hancock, who emigrated to La Prairie, Marshall county, Ill., while she was yet an infant, where she lived with her parents until July 3rd, 1863, when her mother died. Soon after, in 1866, her father moved to Johnson county, Kansas, where she Jhas ever since resided, with the exception of one year spent in Baldwin. Kansas.

 She was of a family of 9 children, 6 girls and 3 boys, all of whom have passed away except two, Mrs. Sarah E. Noble of Olathe, Kansas, and J. H. Hancock of Stanley, Kansas.

She was married to Geo. Arrasmith of Johnson county, Kansas, November 14, 1868. To this union nine children were born, three have passed away, Stella, Bertram and Claude. The others with the father, were all present at her bedside, Mrs. J. L. Williams of Bonita, Kan., Otis of Walters, Okla; Edwin A. of Tucumcaria, N. M.; Ernest W. of Kansas City; Fred and Gertrude, still at home with the father.

Mrs. Arrasmith was converted at the age of 15 years and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at La Prairie, Ill., which her mother and father helped to found. She brought her letter of membership with her to Kansas and reunited with the M. E. church,, then worshiping in a little school house on the Tomahawk. The congregation outgrew the school house and a church was built at Morse and the entire membership transferred to that point. She was a true, consistent Christian, meeting bravelv all the trials of life. Of a cheerful disposition she ever saw the silver lining to the darkest cloud.

A trusty friend, a loving sister, a devoted wife and mother, her loss is irreparable. She had been in poor health for several years but her recent illness lasted about a month. She at different times talked with friends and her family of her faith in her Saviour. "O death where is thy sting?" fell from her lips and once repeated this verse.

"Jesus can make a dying bed as soft as downy pillows are. While on his breast I leaned my head and breathed my life out sweetly there." She fell asleep at 12 o'clock February 21, 1908. aged 61 years, 6 months and 11 days. She is mourned by her family and a large circle of relatives and friends. A. E. M.

Olathe Mirror
Feb. 27, 1908
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