Today at speedscrap ( thats a challenge at DSP where we get an inspiration and scrap a layout based on it in a very short time) I completed this layout about my 3rd Great Grandmother Sarah Ann Abbot ( nee Allington)
This is another layout based on an Obituary.
I also have a story about how I came to identify her in this photo ( this is a part of a larger photo of 4 generations and I intend to scrap that photo in its entirety soon ) .
The other day when I was researching William Grant who I posted about yesterday, I came across the photo of him in the Cyclopedia of NZ – and immediately I knew I had a photo of the same man about the same time in his life- and it was this photo – he is also in it with his wife Louisa , and then their daughter Annie Elizabeth with her husband William McClellan.
The only one of the previous generation still alive at that time must have been Louisa’s Mother – as William Grant arrived here on his own.
So.. here is Sarah Ann Abbott – a proud member of the Salvation Army.
In order to finish this layout I wanted to learn a little more about the Salvation Army history. I had no idea how deeply ingrained in the history of Oamaru that the Salvation Army were.
There is an article online from the Otago Daily Times which talks about the 125th anniversary of the Army in Oamaru from where I got my information.
It would seem the Abbotts must have joined the “Sallies” very early on in their history as the obituary mentions that she had been a member since” long ago”.
The most heart wrenching thing about this woman is the fact that according to the obituary she had to cope with the deaths of her husband and EIGHT of her children. ( Ive found the births of 12, Ive yet to research them all to find the causes of their demise.
Here is the journalling from the layout
Obituary- Mrs Abbott Oamaru
Death has again visited our little circle, and taken away one that will be very much missed. Mrs. Abbott has answered the cal, and is now safe in the arms of Jesus. She was an Army supporter of many years standing. Long ago, she, in company with her late husband, attended our meetings regularly, and helped on God’s work to the best of her ability, but unfortunately old age brought bodily affliction which prevented her from getting to the meetings during recent years. Mrs Abbott has had a very eventful life, but few have been called upon to pass through bereavement as often as our sister. Eight beloved children and her precious husband predeceased her. She was the happy possessor of an indomitable spirit, and repeatedly came through exceedingly painful afflictions, exhibiting a beautiful spirit of resignation to Go;s will and in spite of her many sorrows she was always ready to give her practical assistance where the need existed. Many homes have been brightened and many sad hearts cheered by her presence. The writer of of this very humble tribute has tender recollections of the kindly manner in which she assisted to alleviate the sufferings of one near and dear to him. Her last illness was of an exceptionally painful nature, but she displayed wonderful fortitude right throughout. Adjutant Brown and other comrades visited her very often, and assisted to bring a little blessing and help. She could always say very definitely that God never left her. Jesus was a very present help, and her bright testimony made it a decided pleasure to be in her presence. She passed peacefully away, surrounded by her loved ones, who had ministered so faithfully to their precious mother’s needs during her long illness. We will miss her cheery face, and her memory will be long cherished by a wide circle of relatives and friends. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved. The funeral was largely attended. Adjutant Brown conducted the service .- ERNEST AUSTIN
(From the War Cry, the Salvation Army weekly periodical)
The Abbott family must have been very early members of the Oamaru Salvation Army. The Army arrived in Oamaru in September 1882 trying to clean up” disorderly behaviour generated by a proliferation of bars and brothels, and were initially less than welcome additions to the community !The Salvation Army launched what it called its "opening attack" in Oamaru on September 2, 1883, but its methods of visiting bars, street preaching, singing and band-playing were not well received by hotel and bar owners.
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