Sarah E. W. (Packard) McMillen
Marriages
William McMillen - March 18, 1860
at Hockinsport, Ohio
Burial Details
Obituaries
Eagle County Blade page 1 - June 13, 1907
DEATH OF MRS. M'MILLEN.
Mrs. Sarah E. McMILLEN died suddenly at her home in Red Cliff on Tuesday, June 11th, 1907. Mrs. McMILLEN had been in her usual health and on Tuesday morning while about her customary duties was suddenly seized with illness, soon becoming unconscious and helpless. She died peacefully about seven hours later of paralysis.
Sarah E. PACKARD was born January 5th, 1837, in Carthage township, Athens county, Ohio. She was married to William McMillen on March 18th, 1860. In 1870 the family removed to near Chapman, Kansas, and in 1880 to Red Cliff. These are the cold, brief facts of a long life just ended, but a volume might be devoted to telling the whole story.
Mrs. McMILLEN's late husband was one of the patriotic young men of the country who responded to its call during the stirring days of the Civil war. The incident, as it affected this family, goes to prove that all of the sacrifice, patriotism and bravery made and exhibited during those times were not monopolized by the men. When little more than a bride, the husband of this brave woman went to war perhaps never to return. During his absence one of her daughters was born, and during the husband's service at the front this courageous woman endured the care of her small children and the hardships of a soldier's wife. Again, later, when the family had removed to the frontier of Kansas, where Mr. McMILLEN had entered a home upon a soldier's homestead, Mrs. McMILLEN made another heroic sacrifice for her family. Times were exceedingly hard and while the husband and father was absent in the town working at his trade in order to secure a few ready dollars, the patient mother assumed the charge of the unsubdued ranch and the care of a family of small children.
The McMILLEN family is among the pioneers of Red Cliff and here again the mother's life has been one long self-sacrifice for the family she loved. And this family has in return showered upon her a filial devotion that has been the marvel of all observers. While thankful that her life's toil is ended her devoted family is inconsolable in her loss.
The deceased leaves four daughters, Mrs. William GREINER, Mrs. G. J. DaLEE, Miss Mayme McMILLEN and Mrs. M. J. HENRY, as well as two sisters and a brother in Kansas. The latter are too advanced in years to be able to attend the obsequies.
The funeral will be held this afternoon at the opera house with interment at Greenwood cemetery beside her husband, one daughter and one son who have preceded her.
