Hannah Bean

BEAN, WINN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/24/2018 at 09:45:46

18 February 1909 - West Branch Times

Mrs. Hannah E. Bean, wife of Joel Bean, died suddenly of heart disease in San Jose, Cal., recently.

She was about 80 years of age.

Mrs. Bean was widely known throughout this section of Iowa, her home being in West Branch until 1889 when she removed to the outskirts of San Jose, where she made her home until the end.

Her husband and two daughters survive.

Mr. and Mrs. Bean were both prominent Quakers and Mr. Bean was Clerk of the Iowa Friends annual convention year after year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bean were among the pioneer educators of this vicinity for years.

Mrs. Bean's sister, Annabelle E. Winn, died a few weeks before Mrs. Bean and thus the family is doubly stricken. -- State Press.

25 February 1909 - West Branch Times

HANNAH ELLIOTT BEAN Died 1st month, 31st, 1908. Age, 78 years.

"Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her." Prov. XXXI:28.

Such is the sad and beautiful statement that has gone out into the wide circle of those who are called Friends, and also to the still wider circle of universal brotherhood. The funeral was held at the family residence on Chapman street, College Park, where many came to pay the last tribute of respect to one beloved. In response to the wishes of the family whose ideal of life is simplicity, flowers were not in evidence, though many as they came to take their last look, and some in tears silently laid their bunch of violets under the casket. The beautiful custom of the Friends was followed. A deep impressive silence first, then the husband kneeling beside the casket, as the spirit gave utterance offered a prayer of devout earnest thankfulness for the wonderful gift of God in sending such a beautiful life into the world and praise for the great abiding influence of that life upon the world and praise for the joy and gladness and uplift of 50 years of comradship with such a life. Then followed heart-felt tributes from some of those who had known her most intimately. One quoted beautfiful scripture passages illustrating her deep spirituality and singular purity of thought and life. Another testified to the constancy of her desire to lead people to the very foundation of eternal life, often turning the tide of conversation in such a way as to press the vital questions. A very dear friend told of her habit of daily communion with her God, and of her often closing her eyes to the things of the outer world that eye and ear might more distinctly discern the leading of the Master. The last strain of earthly music to fall upon her ear was a part of the beautiful song, "Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid," which her granddaughter sang while hurrying up the stairs to give what proved to be the last mortal help to the flitting soul. This song was very touchingly sung at the service by George Jones. One speaker spoke beautifully upon the power of silent meetings where Friends were so sensitively spiritual that they needed no words to impress their influence upon each other nor to interpret the message of the Divine Spirit. At such times the presence of our beloved was always a benediction. When words were needed hers were always ready, always spoken with fullness of grace and power. She was always unwilling to receive personal commendation for anything done, as of her own merit. She wist not that her fame shone, but it did shine, for she had been with Jesus. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," was another, who spoke of the sunshine and light of her life, as the center of the home and of her broader social circles. The uplift of her own eyes to the heavenly light brought the power of uplifting others and gladdening earth with God's sunshine. The appreciatons and tributes of the service were given by Joel Bean, James Bean, Elizabeth Shelley, Wilhelmina B. Jones, Professor Pilay Goddard of Berkley, Augustus T. Murray of Stanford University. The service was very touchingly and tenderly closed by Dr. Murray who recited Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar."

This report was written by Prof. F. M. Smith of Campbell and copies from the Sun Jose Mercury.