Mrs. Rachel Goodsill F. Randolph
RANDOLPH.--Mrs. Rachel Goodsill F. Randolph, daughter of Curtis and Eunice Smith Goodsill, born in Canada East, March 21st, 1837, died February 13th, 1876.
In her early childhood Mrs. Randolph's father, with his family removed to the State of Vermont. When but eight years of age, death deprived her of her mother: but such had been that mother's example and counsel, that through Divine Grace Rachel even at this early age, was led to trust in Christ. Her father and family removed to Illinois A.D. 1846. In January 1859, she made public profession of her faith in Christ; and was confirmed in the Episcopal church the following summer. She was united in marriage with Dr. W.F. Randolph February 2d, 1864 [JMR: Riley, McHenry County, IL]. Removed with her husband and family to Bedford, Iowa, August 1870. She united with the Presbyterian church of Bedford, October 1st, 1871, of which church she remained a consistent member until her death. Mrs. Randolph was a woman of remarkably correct judgment; seldom wrong in her opinions of either persons or things. Her literary taste was refined and correct. Her tact, in the lest things, as well as those of greater magnitude, was one of her marked traits. But above all shown her character as a Christian. Her piety did not consist in demonstration, or raptures or moods, or feelings; but in having her "life hid with Christ in God." She was a great sufferer for eighteen months preceeding her death; yet so uncomplaining was she, that but few outside of her own household knew anything of her affliction until shortly before her death. A few days before her death, she expressed herself to the writer of this notice; as not without assurance of a better life beyond this; yet it was hard to know that she would so early be separated from kind friends, from a beloved husband, and especially from her three children, who because of their tender years, need so much a mother's care and instruction. her death was calm and peaceful. Just as the sun set in the west, after making bright and beautiful the holy Sabbath, she sank to rest in the arms of Jesus. On Wednesday, February 16th, numerous friends followed the body to its resting place in the Bedford cemetery. But no one sorrowed "as those having no hope." All felt that while one was lost to earth, Heaven had gained one. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." A.F.R.
Source: The Iowa South-West, Bedford, Iowa, 19 February 1876.
Submitted by: James M. Richmond