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BELLVILLE -- Josephine Lafferty was born in Richland County, on what is known as the Hendrickson farm, the 14th. of February, 1852.  Her mother died some twenty years ago, but her father, Samuel Lafferty, was buried only last January.  She was the youngest child of the family, though not the last born;  those who survive her, mourn her departure more deeply, perhaps, because she was most like their mother.

On February 24, 1870, she was united in the bonds of holy wedlock to Shannon Steel, and for nearly a quarter of a century they lived happily together.  She has ever been a loving, devoted, true wife to him who is left to weep over her grave, in sorrow and alone.

At an early age she accepted Jesus as her Savior, and for over twenty-six years she has held fast her faith in Him.  When she moved into Bellville with her husband, she transferred her church membership from Salem Lutheran church to St. Paul's from which her remains were borne on Sunday afternoon, July 22, 1894, followed by a large number of relatives and friends.

A few days before she died her pastor called to see her, and she immediately said, "I want you to pray" and upon being asked if she hoped to get well, she expressed a desire to live for the sake of those she loved, but she was anxious that the Lord's will be done.  "I want you to read about, 'The Lord is my Shepherd' you know where to find it", she whispered with difficulty, for her suffering was great, and her strength was slowly but surely wasting away.  When she felt that she was beyond the aid of earthly friends, and medical skill, she refused to take the medicines left for her, and when urged by her loving companion to do so she said, "The Lord has medicine for me" and she realized the nearness of the Great Physician.

The disease which had caused her death took hold upon her in her early youth, and for several years she has been a great sufferer.  Death was welcome.  She had arranged for her burial, and had selected the beautiful hymns that were sung so sweetly and tenderly at her funeral.

That she was widely known and well beloved was attested by the large congregation that assembled to pay a last tribute of esteem and love, and by the many, and beautiful floral offerings in varied designs.  Truly she has gone to her rest, and her reward shall be great, for great was her tribulation.  Let those who mourn be comforted, look aloft, follow with your eyes where she has gone, and choose for your shepherd, the Lord, who was her Shepherd.  May her dying words ring in your ears until you shall be called away from all you hold dear upon earth -- "Lift me up higher, higher, higher."  And be assured "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth;  yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors;  and their works do follow them."  Rev. 14:13.

Those who presented flowers as follows:  

Pillow and harp, Mrs. Etz and Miss Sadie Ordway;  anchor, sent by Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Howard of Toledo;  anchor, Mrs. E. Simpson;  cross, Bruce Parker;  sickle, Mr. & Mrs. N.H. Hamilton;  basket, Miss Nellie Zent;  wreath, Mr. F.C. Shafer and family;  bouquets, Mr. A. Lacy, Mrs. O.H. Gurney, Mrs. W. Sharp, Miss Sadie Weaver, Mrs. W.H. Post, Mrs. J.E. Harter, Miss Elizabeth Myers, Mrs. Dr. Stofer, Mrs. G. Parker;  roses, Mrs. K.H. Robinson;  door wreath, Ira L. Parker;  pillow, Mrs. Rhodes and Worner. 

From the house to the church the flowers were carried by six young ladies:  Misses Grace and Nina Dean, Misses Rose and Jennie Oberlin, Miss Lula Horn and Miss Stella Sharp, who followed the casket.

Mr. Steel wishes to convey, by this means, his heartfelt thanks to all who ministered in any way to his beloved, during her last illness;  and to all who extended aid and sympathy to him in his sore bereavement;  also to Mr. J.J. Houser, Mr. E.L. Garber, Miss Emmer Charles and Miss Verda Shafer, who sang;  and to Mrs. Houser, organist.

-- W.F. Barnett

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