Sophia Slaybaugh ¹

  General Notes:

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.

Sophia married John Mortorff about 1854 in Smithfield Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, USA. (John Mortorff died on 18 Apr 1860.)

Sophia next married Samuel Till on 14 Jan 1864.