GWEN P. ROBERTS. MIDDLE GRANVILLE, WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Esteemed Welsh Resident Answers Divine Call.
"In the midst of life, we are in death," is a Biblical truth but Mrs. Robert W. Roberts, Williams Street, Granville, lived to a ripe old age, her death occurring at her home Friday morning after an illness of several years. For half a century, she had been a respected resident of Granville, being among the oldest Welsh settlers and well and favourable known not only by her own people but by others as well.Of a quiet disposition, she was a loveable character and there was always a welcome at her home to all comers. In years gone by when the Jerusalem Congregational Church, of which she was a member, would be without a permanent pastor and depending upon supply ministers from outside, her home would be a home to them, where they were entertained by the family during their stay, many of whom will learn with regret of her passing together with a large circle of friends and admirers in her home town and those who have moved from Granville.
Born in Trawsfynydd, North Wales, the writer knew her there as a boy and when she came to America and to Granville with her late husband, he recalls the time as though it were only a few years ago. Little he thought then he would ever see her again but he followed them to America in a short time. Locating in Utica, he wondered how soon he would come to Granville to see them, but years went by before it happened for a Granville girl to come to Utica.
Later Mr. Morris came to Granville to marry her and a year afterwards came to live in Granville and work in the Sentinel office. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were the only ones in the town, Mr. and Mrs. Morris knew and naturally the visits to their home were frequent where they always received a hearty welcome. For twenty-five years they lived together and the friendship remained unbroken. On their visits back home in recent years, her home was always open. We shall greatly miss her as a true friend.
The funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon and were largely attended, Rev. S. E. Prytherch having charge, who spoke with much feeling of the departed, comfortinh the three daughters, the Misses Elizabeth Roberts of New York City and Mary and Winnie Roberts, who resided at home tenderly caring for their mother during her last confinement.
The singing was in charge of R. L. Pritchard with Miss Miriam Williams at the piano.
The bearers were Evan J. Williams, Harry K. Williams, Robert C. Williams, Owen D. Roberts, R. L. Pritchard and John E. Parry.
The internment was in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery at Middle Granville.
Friends were present at the funeral from Poultney, Middle Granville, West Pawlet, Whitehall, Saratoga, Utica and Whitesboro.
R. C. Morris.