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The obituary and tombstone has Leah passing on 11/27/1884. However, i think that the year is wrong due to the fact that Martin remarries to Cynthia Cochran on May 15, 1874. I think it would be more accurate that she died before this date as I don't believe he would marry a 3rd wife while the 2nd wife was still living. Also to note is he is listed in the 1880 Census with his third wife and Leah cannot be found in the 1880 Census. Upon further research, Leah's will is found. There is no mention of her husband in the will, just her daughter Mary. It is possible that her and Martin Divorced. A plat map locates her in Shelbyville in 1880 and the Will is dated for 1884. So the obituary and tombstone is most likely accurate.
The Shelby Democrat Thursday, December 4, 1884 Page 3, column 5
IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Leah Stephens died November 27th , 1884, at her residence near St. John's Switch, aged sixty-seven years, six months and sixteen days. The remains were interred in the family graveyard November 29th,1884. The deceased was born in Madison county, Kentucky, May 11, 1817. Her maiden name was Leah Parrish Her father, Edmund Parrish, moved from Kentucky to this county in 1823, and settled on Blue River, southwest of Shelbyville. He afterwards entered a tract of land near St. John's Switch, where he lived until his death. She, being the oldest of the family, was required to labor in and outdoors, which was the custom of the day. From youth she was a spiring, possessing the powers of acquisition by economy and perseverance in early life, she became the owner of real estate. She was twice married during life. For several years past the organs of the viscera had been afflicted and though able physicians were procured, temporary relief only could be given . Finally her disease became serious . No definite conclusion was given as to the character of her disease which was probably cancer of the stomach. To the day of her death she was patient in suffering, always extending her hand in friendship to her many friends. On various occasions she referred to the fact that the end was near at hand, but at the same time expressing her willingness to accept what the Lord in his infinite wisdom would send upon her. To her brother, to her daughter and to the one who held her dearer than all others, we would say in the language of Lowell : "Tis hard at first to see it alright, In vain Faith blows her trump to summon back Her scattered troop; yet through the clouded glass O four own bitter tears we learn to look, Undazzled on the kindness of God's face, Faith is too dark, and heaven alone shines through. "
Contributed by Barb Huff
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1817 - 1884 (67 years)
