Saphrel Elias May
Birth: 17 Feb 1829
Death: 5 Feb 1896
Burial: Scipio Cemetery, Scipio, Jennings County, Indiana, USA
Memorial #: 50761601
Bio: OBITUARY Saffriel Elias May was born February 17, 1829, and died February 5, 1896, aged 66 years, 11 months and 18 days. His native place was about four miles northeast of Scipio, in Geneva township. He moved to his late residence, half a mile south of Scipio, about the year 1865, where he lived to the day of his death. The deceased had three sisters and one brother living. He was married twice. His first marriage was to Mary Margaret Clapp. To this union were born ten children, three sons and seven daughters, three sons and three daughters being dead. His second marriage was to the widow who now survives him. To this union there were born four children, two sons and two daughters, one daughter now being dead. The record of the deceased's entire family shows 14 children, 9 grandchildren, and these, together with the two wives and 1 stepchild and 5 sons-in-law, make in all 31 souls. All, we are told, are members of the Church except the youngest, who is only 12 years old. They were early instructed in the home, the Sabbath school and the Church, and naturally assumed the duties of a christian life. Saffriel Elias May come to his death on Wednesday, February 5th, 1896, at 5:45 a.m. As the dawn of this day was breaking in the East, he opened his spiritual eyes in the Kingdom of Glory, where the Son of Righteousness shines with an eternal light in unending day. "May I, too, die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." The disease was pneumonia, and it was known from the first. No pains were spared counteract the fierceness of the disease. The complications with other things, hemorrage of the lungs, the late accident from the upsetting of a wagon, and the age of our dear brother, all had their effect in hastening the end. But, though in pain, it was not prolonged, and the end was joy and peace. I have heard him frequently speak of the fine constitution with which his maker had endowed him, and that he had, during his entire life, suffered but very little from sickness. For about sixteen years he had held the highest office in the Presbyterian church, that of Ruling Elder; other terms, such as Father, Bishop, Doctor of Divinity, Reverend and Evangelist are only different applications of the same rank of office-to minister and rule in the church in spiritual things. But rank with him today counts nothing, scarcely, when we know he is with Jesus, who recognizes him as a friend, brother and laborer together with God in the Gospel. Yes, gone to the General Assembly, Church of the First Born, whose names are recorded in Heaven. He, himself, told me once that for a period of sixteen years in his life he was never absent from his place at the regular meetings of the church. Such faithfulness in spiritual things will gain the crown of everlasting life. He joined the Church at the age of 16 years, and thus celebrated his Jubilee Year in going up to glory. No wonder he shouted glory! Some characteristics in his life are worthy of especial mention. It may be fairly said of him as it was Nathaniel of old when Christ saw Phillip conducting him to the Savior: "An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no gile." The simple power of his faith was standing argument of his strong convictions of truth. None would think of contending with him as to his pure faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the God of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The purity of his christian life I never knew to be assailed. He was as firm as he was faithful. His convictions of truth were so positive that it was a shock to his feelings if he prevented from going to the house of God for devine worship. Hence, no light thing prevented him from getting to the courts of God's house, and so he counted the words of wisdom given him there as above the price of rubies. To him there was nothing could equal the price of the words of wisdom which were words of life-life eternal, which was beyond and more than every treasure. No contentions of evil or of the Evil One could turn him from his purpose to serve his God according to the dictates of his own conscience. He could always say as the prophet taught him: "I will trust and not be afraid." His tender love was to me a mark of the highest christian character. It ran through his soul like a deep river of peace. It encirled to his bosom in true parental affection, and in true parental affection, and made the hearthstone in that home the one spot on earth most dear to all the children. That love, too, encircled the household of faith, and Jesus was honored and the Church Jesus was honored and the Church strengthened and sustained by its exercise through him. He almost always had a word of kindness and encouragement for the erring, and stooped even as his master did, to lift up the fallen. He has entered the court of heavenly love to bask forever in its eternal delights. The fame of this name may not go out very far upon the earth, but it will ascend to the highest heaven. "a sweet-smelling savor unto God." Dear widow and fatherless children, think only of him as in eternal joy and blessedness. Follow his teachings and footsteps with the tender heart of love he had for you and all mankind, and Jesus, who is a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless shall lead you on to eternal light and joy. Dear friends, a father, and Elder, a leader in this church and community is fallen: Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation, commands us "Go forward!" When our time comes and we fall, may it be as truly said of us as we say of him: "Let me die the death, of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Through the gates of pearl he trod Upward to the throne of God Victor over sin and woe Jesus greets him first and best God enfolds him to His breast He rules and reigns with all the blest Thence out no more to go J.M.O
Family Members
Spouses
Margaret Clapp May* 1835-1876
Catharine Waddle May* 1844-1909
Children
Grace V May Amick* 1865-1944
Frank May* 1876-1876
Caroline B May Jones* 1880-1880
Created by: Traci (46843027)
Added: 7 Apr 2010
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50761601/saphrel-elias-may
Citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 10 February 2018), memorial page for Saphrel Elias May (17 Feb 1829–5 Feb 1896), Find A Grave Memorial no. 50761601, citing Scipio Cemetery, Scipio, Jennings County, Indiana, USA ; Maintained by Traci (contributor 46843027) . 470, Saphrel Elias May