Mrs. Francis Barker

Died, in Monroe county, Mo., Feb., 23rd, 1875, Mrs. Francis Barker, in the 77th year of her age.  Sister Barker was born in Virginia, Nov., 4th, 1798.  When she was yet young, her parents moved to Kentucky, when in June 1818, she was married to Judge Thomas Barker, lately deceased, and with him removed to this State and count in Oct. 1838.  She had been a member of the Christian Church for nearly forty years, and died in the triumphs of that faith and hope, which had been the solace of her heart and the beauty of her life through so many years.

During the long period of nearly fifty seven years, she proved herself the faithful and devoted wife, sharing with her noble and generous husband the sorrows of the dark days through which they passed, and increasing his Joy in the time of prosperity.  Lying very ill at the time of the death of her husband, the sad intelligence of his departure was not broken to her, with the hope that she might sufficiently recover to bear up beneath so heavy a blow, for although she was nearing her four-score years, yet by reason of strength there was promise of many days that might be added to her already useful and eventful career.

But it pleased God that she should be taken, and just three days after her husband closed his eyes in death, she fell asleep in Jesus.  Now that she has gone, does it not seem well that they should rest together, after toiling so long together?  Is it not well that she should be spared that strange loneliness that would have been hers thro' a few more years of sorrow, when on awaking to consciousness she would have found that her stay and comfort was gone?  What must have been the glad surprise of her pure spirit to meet in the paradise of God the spirit of him who had just gone before, but of whose going she knew not?

So long together in life, it was meet that their bodies should peacefully sleep side by side in death, and the sweet companionship of their spirits should be broken by the lapse of only three days.  Sister Barker was eminently a friend to the poor, and now that her generous and ministering hand has been withdrawn, they may mingle their tears with those of her dear children, in solemn attestation of how much she was loved and how much she is missed. Servant of God, well done!  We believe that you will be of that number in the Great Day to whom Jesus will say: 'Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me meat, I was naked and ye clothed me, I was sick and ye visited me.'