“So beautiful a Christian life”

 

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Elizabeth Merrill was an early Mormon pioneer who came with her husband Samuel Bemis and their children to Utah in 1850. Within a few years of moving to Utah, the Merrill family made Smithfield, Cache County, their home and lived there for many years. It was a real treat for me while I was researching Elizabeth to find such a beautiful memorialization of her.

“The Funeral services over the remains of Elizabeth Merrill, who died in Preston July 4th, at her son’s residence, Mr. Orrin Merrill, were held at the tabernacle Friday at 3 P.M. … The speakers were the Bishop of Preston, A.B. Chambers and Bishop Woodruff. They spoke of the sterling qualities and the lovable character of the deceased, and expressed the wish that so beautiful a Christian life would serve as a shining light leading the young people to a better life.”[2]

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[1] FamilySearch, as contributed by Joan Montgomery1

[2] "All the Smithfield News: What Was Done On The Fourth. What Will Be Done on the Twenty Fouth," The Logan Republican. 11 Jul. 1906, p8, col. 1: digital image, Newspapers.com. http://www.newspapers.com/image/79991459/?terms=cynthia+merrill+douglass+utah: accessed 18 March 2015)