The  Shelby  Republican
Thursday, May 16, 1878
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OBITUARY.
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          ISAAC  SORDEN  was born in Sussex county, Delaware, May 8, 1806, and died May 8, 1878, aged 72 years.
          He was left an orphan at 12 years of age, and went to Philadelphia, where he spent the next eight years in attending school and clerking in a dry good's store.  At the age of twenty he left the east, and went to Cincinnati, where he remained a short time.
          In 1837, he removed to Greensburgh, Ind., where he commenced the dry good's business.  While here he was married to a  Mrs. Davidson.  Their married life only continued eight months, when death suddenly severed the bond and he was again left alone in the world.
          In 1839, he came to Shelbyville, and continued the sale of goods, in which he has continued, either in dry goods or groceries, until at once "he ceased to work and live."
          He was united in marriage in Shelbyville, Sept. 10, 1840, to  Miss Nancy Toner,  with whom he had lived in happy bond 38 years.
          Brother Sorden was converted, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1841, and has been a faithful member until death has transfered him from the church militant to the church triumphant.  He was careful t oattend upon her ordinances as far as health and strength would permit.  He had formed the habit of laying aside on the first day of the week his money for God's cause, according as God had prospered him.  Last Sabbath, though sick, he did not forget his preacher, but called to his son, to be sure and have this done for that day as usual.
          Two weeks ago, he was at church, and partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  When asked as to his health, he remarked that he was very feeble, but wanted to come to church.  That was the last time he was able to reach God's House and worship with is people.
          He held in his earlier Christian life official position.  He appears on the official register of the church a Steward from 1843 to 1853, and as a class leader in 1852 to 1859, and the next year was again elected a Steward.
          Brother Sorden was conscious of his approaching dissolution.  On last Saturday evening he asked his pastor to sing and pray with him.  During the singing of a familiar hymn --
          "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,"  he attempted to sing, but his feeble voice only now and then could speak a word.  He followed the paryer with frequent expressions evincing deep feeling and great joy.  He said "I am waiting the Lord's will."  In his mind he continued to the end.
          To his family, he gave all directions as to how he would like to be buried, and the place where he wished the services.  Calmly he went down to death, to live again beyond.
          As a citizen, Mr. Sorden has been a faithful, law abiding, honorable man.  He has contributed his proportion as a business man to the prosperity and success of Shelbyville.  His death removes another of the old landmarks.

G. S. C.         

Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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