From a child, my dear mother had known the truth; and for many years had walked in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless. She was the mother of 13 children, and was as affectionate a mother as she was a true helpmate and dutiful wife of my dear father. Her gifts and graces were not confined to the things of this world. She lived as well as died a Christian. Having led a godly life, of course she had her share of persecution and tribulation, which she bore with exemplary patience and resignation.