Obituaries taken from the Madison County Democrat

Joseph Harbage, one of the oldest citizens in the county, died suddenly at his home two miles east of West Jefferson last Thursday night, aged 81 years.  His wife died about six years ago and he left six children - John, Owen and Joseph, of Jefferson Township; William of Indiana; Mrs Elizabeth Corrigan, West Jefferson, and Sarah, a married daughter, in England.  The deceased was born in England and came to this country some forty years ago, settling on the farm where he died.  He was born in Williamscott, Oxfordshire, England, October 11, 1808.  His mother dying when he was an infant, he was left to the care of a foster mother.  He was married to Sarah Kilgore* in the spring of 1830.  Rev. Sam King of Columbus conducted the funeral services at Foster Chapel.

*should be Kitley

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In our paper of last week our Jefferson correspondant made brief mention of the death by burning of Sarah Harbage, an old lady who was helpless by reason of paralysis.  Being left alone for a short time, her clothing caught fire, and when discovered, her lifeless body was found lying on the floor near the fireplace.  We are furnished with the following sketch of the life of the deceased lady:

Sarah Kiteley was born at Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire, England, May 17th, 1811 and was married to Joseph Harbage at Wichford, same shire, May 16th, 1831.  They resided in Oxfordshire until August 1853, when they emigrated to America and have resided in Jefferson township, two miles northeast of West Jefferson since the spring of 1954.  She was the mother of nine children, three of whom preceeded her to the spirit world.  In early life, she became an earnest scholar in the Methodist Sabbath School and throughout life was a sincere believer in that faith and its modes of worship.  She taught her children to say their prayers nightly, which she insisted should be delivered on their bended knees.  If, through a childish omission, the excuse was given, "I have said them in bed, mother," the answer would be, "Out, sir; them are blanket prayers."

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S.K. King and the remains buried in Foster Church burying ground.