Mary J., wife of Elder Wm. Steers, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, April 27, 1829, united with the Congregational Church at the age of 17; at the age of 35 under the preaching of Elder Simms, of the Christian Church, she became a member and has ever done what she could to honor her high calling of God in Christ.

She united in marriage with the writer in the city of Hannibal, MO., Dec. 3, 1874, and departed this life at her home in Pittsfield, Ill, Nov. 11, 1895, in full assurance of faith in Him who conquered death and brought life and immortality to light beyond its darkness. Ever faithful and true in all the relations of life, we think not of her as being dead; for death's conqueror, whom she accepted as her Savior said; "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." True, their bodies must return to dust; they are dead in the sense of separation from loved one in the Paradise of God. While here she was light and comfort never to be forgotten. Absent now from the body and present with the Lord, her parting words are consoling: "When I cross over I shall be with loved ones, waiting for you." And to her loving, faithful sister, "Good bye, sweet sister, till we meet on the other shore." Truly, may listening love hear the rustling of wings, and faith look up and see a star at such a departure from a world of losses, crosses and trials, and we may say with assurance, The storms that rack the winter's sky, No more disturb her sweet repose, Than summer's evening latest sigh, That shuts the rose, With heart to full for utterance, lonely I sit and wait.

The beautiful and affecting tribute paid by Elder Wm. Steers to his deceased wife will evoke the keenest sympathy of all, with him in his deepest affliction, and all who knew her will join in attestation of the justice of the praise so bestowed.