Obituary : Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897)

Evangelical Messenger, December 8, 1897, page 179

 





Located the obituary of my paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897) in the Evangelical Messenger, a publication of the Evangelical Association.


SISTER RACHEL HALEY

Rachel Haley, nee Gary, widow of Rev. G. Haley, was born in Liberty, Fairfield Co., O., March 22, 1816.

She was united in holy matrimony with George J. Haley, January 1, 1835.  This union was blessed with 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters.  Her husband and 1 son preceded her.  She leaves 9 children, 50 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Mother Haley was converted in early life and joined the Evangelical Association, of which she remained a true and devoted member until death.

About the year 1841 her husband yielded to his call to the ministry, and for 23 years she experienced the trials and hardships of pioneer missionary life.  For 8 years her husband was away from home much of the time, so the care of the large family was left to her supervision almost exclusively.

For 40 years she was deprived of hearing the precious Word of God and the sweet songs of Zion which she loved so much, nevertheless she was always a regular attendant at church services.

In her last illness, caused by old age, she stated that she had always found great comfort in reading the Word of God.

Through the kindness of Brother and Sister Haley, the Erie Conference had a pleasant camp-ground on their farm for many years.

The deceased fell asleep in Jesus at the home of her son, Frank Haley, near Huron, Ohio, November 25, 1897, aged 81 years, 8 months and 3 days.

The German services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A.H. Wendt, and the English by the undersigned.    - J.G. Ziegler

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Interesting to note that she was deaf for the last 40 years of her life.  Services were performed both in English and German.

Comparing the numbers given for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I have the names of all 10 children at the time of her death as well as the 50 grandchildren, but only 9 of the great-grandchildren.

Would like to find her origins, the biography in the Jay County History states her origins were Irish, but I'm wondering if they weren't German.