Mrs. A. M. Strattan, after a lingering illness of several months, died last Friday evening at her home in this city. The funeral occurred on Sunday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the Methodist church, Rev. J. B. Thompson delivering the following obituary:

Miss Annah M. Waggoner was born in Upper Alton, Ill., June 23rd, 1845, and was the second child of a family of four daughters---children of Rev. G. W. Waggoner and wife, of the Southern Illinois Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was tenderly and kindly raised in a home of the best Christian influences and in early life she gave her heart to God. When she was 18 years old, while attending the Female College at Salem, Ill., she formally united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and lived a useful and consistent member until her decease.

She was married Sept. 21st, 1869, to A. M. Strattan, of Mt. Vernon, Ill., and has since that time been a member of this church and community. Six children were born to them and all these are present on this sad occasion, viz: Rozie and Minnie, Homer and Nannie, Roscoe and Margaret.

Sister Strattan was a humble Christian, a devoted wife and mother, an obedient loving daughter, a true and affectionate sister, and a gentle, kind neighbor and friend. Her household cares engaged her very closely and as much of the time her health was delicate, she apparently did not mingle so much as some others in society and the affairs of the world beyond her own home. But her heart was true and brave and generous and her influence was always on the right side of every question.

On the 1st day of June, 1890, she was prostrated in what proved to her last illness, which was protracted and severe. After suffering intensely for nearly two months she was removed to her father’s home in Upper Alton , July 23rd, with the fond hope that the change would permanently benefit her. These hopes, however, were never realized as she steadily grew weaker.

She was brought back on the 14th of October to spend her last days and hours with her beloved family in their own home. It was my privilege here to visit her and talk to her of the hope and home of the blest saints of God and to commend her in prayer to the loving favor of Christ. She desired to live as any one naturally would, for her family’s sake, but she became peaceful and happy and resigned all to the will of the Lord. Speaking to her sister, Mrs. Abbott, a short time before her decease, “I would like to live, but I have no fear of death and as my health cannot be restored, it would be better for me to pass beyond this state of suffering and pain,” she said. “I have not been a very active Christian on account of my heavily family cares, but I love the work and it is all right.” Speaking of her dear mother whom she knew to be in delicate health, she said “it will not be long till mother comes home to Heaven, and I shall be there waiting and watching for her.”

Sister Strattan passed peacefully away on Friday evening, Oct. 31st, 1890, at 9:50 o’clock, p.m., aged 45 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Peace to her memory and may God Bless and save the family.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: November 4, 1890
Submitted by Brenda Hereford and Nancy E. Davis