In Memory of Mrs. Margaret Aurandt.
The subject of this sketch was born in Canoe Valley, Blair Co. Pa June 28, 1797. Died in Beaver Dams, Blair Co. Pa July 28,1885, aged 88 years 1 month. Her maiden name was Margaret Shellenberger. She was married July 11, 1820 to David Aurandt who preceded her to the spirit world more than thirty-six years ago. Unto them were born thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Her descendants are ninety-two grand children, between eigthty and ninety great grandchildren, and seven or eight great great grandchildren.

Mrs. Aurandt was early received a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, of which she remained a consistent member til she died. Her life was spent in Canoe Valley and Beaver Dam and she was looked upon with favor by all and held in the highest respect and esteem. Her life was one of peace and quietude and hense always happy. She lived and exemplary Christian life and died a peaceful happy death. Hers shall be a triumphant resurrection and eternal bliss.

She was sick only about six hours having received a sudden attack of paralysis. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. B. Gruver, at the Yellow Springs Lutheran church, in which cemetery she was silently laid away to rest.

The family take this opportunity to express their hearty thanks to neighbors and friends for their generosity and assistance during the occasion of the funeral. The following was handed me by her grand children to be published with this memoriam.

Fourscore years and her race is run.
The cross laid down, and the bright crown won
Smiles rest upon that face so cold,
And silver of age flecks the hair once gold !
Wrinkles are there, but they seem as bright
As sunbeams at play with lines of light;
While to our heart this truth is given,
Grandmother's gone to her rest in heaven.

Fourscore years, and her feeble bark
Guides o'er the river, deep and dark,
Up to the home of the fadeless star,
And on through the golden gate ajar,
Into the city, so fair and bright,
Gemmed with rays of the softest light;
Where to our loved a harp is given -
Grandmother is at rest in heaven.

Fourscore years, and the eyes of love
Are turned to the home of bliss above !
Three score years she had knelt in prayer,
Shadow and sunshine have marked her way
With night of darkness and light of day,
Till through the cross the crown is given -
Grandmother is gone to the joys of heaven.

Fourscore years, and her dim eyes close
In the gloom of death to a sweet repose:
The face, lit up with a smile so bright
Is veiled and hidden from mortal sight!
Her form is pulseless, the heart is cold,
The dust of decay wears a blighting mold!
But up with the blest pure joy is given
To grandmother now at home in heaven.

Fourscore years, and a shroud and pall,
With a tombstone plain, make her riches all.
Just a spot of earth for a lonely bed,
And a resting place with the silent dead!
She's gone, and we miss her silent face.
Her work of love, and her form of grace,
But up where the sunshine of life is given
Grandmother dear is at rest in heaven.