"The year which we are about to close (1857) was also signalized by an unusual amount of sickness and mortality, so that in all probability there have never been as many deaths in our town and congregation as occurred this year.
Toward the close of April when the weather was anything but genial the measles and kindred diseases attacked many children and young persons both in town and more especially in our female boarding school.
Several children of members of our congregation were on this occasion taken away from their parents by him who said: "suffer little children to come onto me and forbid them not, four of such is the kingdom of heaven." Luke 18:16.
In more than one instant, through, this dispensation of our Lord was felt more keenly by the parents because by it was removed from their guardianship an only son or only daughter.
Later in the year great sickness prevailed ... so that several of our members had to part with their little ones, and one of our sisters had to give up to him who has the best claim upon them three of her children in very quick succession.
Adults, though, were also called to their eternal home during the year, so that alongside one another are reposing on our "Gods Acre" the mortal remains of three young mothers." --From handwritten notes of George Frederick Bahnson - the Memorabilia of the Salem Congregation 1857
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