Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 5 Dec. 1907. Volga City Views column.
Susan Stearns was born in Cambridgeshire, England, Jan. 25th, 1829, and entered into rest Nov. 30th, 1907.
In 1865 she came to America. After spending some time with her brothers in Ohio she came to Clayton county, Iowa, where in 1872 she was united in marriage with John Keeling, who preceded her to the better land thirteen years ago.
She leaves to mourn her loss two brothers in Ohio and four step-children: George, of Berthold, N.D.; Mrs. Thos. Smith, of Volga; Mrs. Wilbur Whitford, of Ruthven, Iowa; and Fred. on the home farm, and her niece, Sarah Stearns, who has shared her home and ministered faithfully and lovingly to her needs in her declining years, also other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Keeling was a woman of sterling worth. As a friend she was staunch and true, always looking for the best in the characters of her friends and acquaintances. In her early life she united with the Episcopal church to the teachings of which church she remained true. A steadfast believer in Christ she showed her discipleship in her eagerness to help forward every good work, and during her sickness by the patience with which she bore the discomfort and weariness of a long illness, often expressing herself as being ready and willing to depart this life and hoping the Master would call her soon. While her loss will be keenly felt, the gain is hers.
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Added by S. Ferrall, 12/18/2023:
Death Certificate (familysearch.org):
Susan Stearns Keeling
Widow
DOB: January 25, 1829
Place: England
DOD: November 30, 1907
Father: Thomas Stearns
Mother: Mary Bull
Informant: Sarah Stearns, Volga, Iowa
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1880 U.S. Census, Clayton county, Sperry twp., enumerated June 5, 1880:
Keeling, John H., Head, age 54, married, Farmer, born England, parents born England
Keeling, Susan S., age 47, wife, Keeping house, born England, parents born England
Keeling, Arthur, age 20, son, single, farmer, born NY, parents born England
Keeling, Fred, age 16, son, single, farmer, born Iowa, parents born England
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1900 U.S. Census, Clayton county, Sperry township, enumerated June 20, 1900
Keeling, Susan S., Head, birth month & yr: Jan 1831, widow, born England, parents born England, Immigration yr: 1865, 35 yrs in US
Stearns, Sarah, Niece, birth month & yr: Apr 1860, single, born England, parents born England, Immigration yr: 1895, 5 yrs in US
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