DeKalb County Indiana Obituary
Sophia Slaybaugh Till
Contributed by Roselyn (Mills) Wells
Thurs. The Waterloo Press - July 24, 1913
Mrs. Sophia Till, one of the oldest
women in Grant township, died at her home northwest of Waterloo, at an early
hour last Thursday morning, after an illness lasting many months. A year
ago Mrs. Till met with an accident at her home in which she fell from the
door steps and broke both arms. Since that time she has been in failing health
and gradually became weaker until the end came at the above time. She was
woman of noble character and lived quiet life. She reared a large family,
most of whom survive. The funeral was held from the late home last Sunday
afternoon, with Rev. Fred Thomas, of Auburn, officiating. The interment took
place in the Waterloo cemetery. There was a large attendance at the obsequies,
and many people called at the home to pay their last tribute of respect.
Sophia Till, daughter of Samuel and Polly Slaybaugh, was born in Adams county,
Pa., Sept. 21, 1832, and died at her home in Waterloo, July 17, 1913, aged
80 years, 9 months and 26 days. When she was three years of age she moved
with her parents to Stark county, Ohio, where they lived until 1852, when
they moved to DeKalb county and located on a farm in Smithfield township.
At the age of twenty-two years she was united in marriage to John Mortorff.
To this union was born two sons, Edwin and Samuel Mortorff. Her husband died
April 18, 1860. On Jan. 14, 1864, she was again united in marriage to Mr.
Samuel Till. To this union were born six children, four sons and two daughters,
as follows: Mrs. Millie Freed, Mrs. Rebecca Fanning, of Butler, Frank A.,
Ira and Nathan, of Waterloo and Charles, who died at the age of three years.
The subject of this sketch was the oldest of a family of eight children,
of whom four are still living. They are Andrew Slaybaugh, of Pittsburgh,
Pa., Mrs. Rebecca Fisk, of Nebraska; and John and Hiram H. Slaybaugh of Auburn.
Besides these there are thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Who with the sons and daughters survive to mourn their loss. When but a child
she became a member of the Reformed church and lived a constant Christian
life ever since. She had lived at the home where she passed away for the
past thirty years, and she was a kind neighbor, and there will be many who
will miss her. To her children she was a devoted mother and they will cherish
the deep affection they had for her, although her departure will be mourned.
The sons and daughters of the late Mrs. Till desire to express their thanks
and appreciation to the many friends and neighbors for their kindness in
the hours of sickness and death of there beloved mother.