“Sarah E. M. Crain (Ellen) was born May 1, 1838, and on December 22, 1858 was married to Robert Ellis, an Englishman. Their children were William Elliott, Harriet Ellen, Mary Eliza ("Lida"), Livy, Benjamin Franklin, May, Homer Edward, Grace, and Dove Rosetta. After the death of Robert Ellis (April 15, 1886) Ellen married Capt. John S. Crain, of Cretcher, Saline County, Missouri (November 12, 1890.) He died July 20, 1897, and soon afterwards she returned to Illinois, making her home in Augusta. While visiting at the home of one of her daughters in Marshall, Missouri, she died December 5, 1915, her remains being brought to Pulaski for burial.”

Excerpt from Ralph Waldo Crain's Pulaski section: Augusta's Story, Martha Board Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (Augusta, Illinois: Augusta Eagle, 1922).

BEGIN OBITUARY
Life of Mrs. S. E. M. Crain

Who Died Dec. 5, 1915, at Marshall, Missouri where she had been visiting her daughters

Mrs. S. E. M. Crain, a most highly respected citizen of Augusta, died Sunday morning, Dec. 5th, 1915, at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 4 days at the home of her daughters in Marshall, Mo. Following is the obituary.

Mrs. S. E. M. Crain was the daughter of Rev. Wm. Crain and Harriett E. Crain, pioneers of Huntsville township, Schuyler county, Illinois, where she was born May 1, 1838.

During her early life she attended the district school and later the Illinois Women's College at Jacksonville, this being an exceptional advantage in those early days.

She married Robt. Ellis, Dec. 22, 1858 and continued to reside near the old home until 1876 when the moved to Newton county, Missouri, where they remained until 1883, returning to Illinois where Mr. Ellis passed away April 15, 1886.

Mrs. Crain continued to reside at her old home until Nov. 12, 1890 she married John S. Crain of Cretcher, Missouri and reside there until his death July 20, 1897, when she returned to Augusta. Being in feeble health for more than a year she was tenderly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Hedrick, until two months ago, she went to visit her daughters in Marshall, Mo., where she passed away Dec. 5, 1915.

In early life she united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Pulaski, later transferring her membership to Augusta. She was a faithful attendant upon the church services and during her last illness regretted that she was unable to meet in God's house.

She leaves to mourn her loss, three daughters and two sons, namely, Mrs. Olivia Hedrick and B.F. Ellis of Augusta, Illinois, Homer Ellis of Rushville, Mrs. Grace Evans and Mrs. D. R. Hall of Marshall, Mo. Also thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Besides three brothers, E.M. and B.B. Crain of Augusta, H.C. Crain Lancey, Can., and two sisters, Mrs. Wm Kirk of Almira, Wash., and Mrs. Mary F. Hel[m]ick of Plainville, Kansas.

The remains were shipped to Augusta, Monday night and the funeral services were held in the Augusta M.E. church Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 7th conducted by the pastor, Rev. D.F. Nelson.