Susan Bartlett (1) 1879-1895

BARTLETT

Posted By: LuAnn Goeke (email)
Date: 6/26/2006 at 22:28:50

A talk with her attending physician, Dr. Marner, and with friends who have known her intimately in all the walks of life, in sunshine and in shade, gives the writer points in the character of the late Susan Bartlett, which are worthy of presentation to the young readers of the Reporter and others who gather courage and strength from the example of those in whom the christian religion has been so helpful in life and so comforting in death.

The experience of her sick room is like a beautiful poem that may be read and read again and lose none of its richness. The ravages of the destroying malady had no effect on her amiable disposition and tranquility of mind. If she suffered pain it was hidden from her attendants. No murmurs, no groans, no complaints. All was [illegible]. Her wants were few [illegible] was more to her [illegible] personal [illegible], a characteristic which marked her life. Well may her physicians say that hers was the most beautiful character ever met by them in all their experience among the afflicted.

After about 18 days of her sickness, when the crisis was reached without any warning or intimation of her critical condition from any one, she seemed to know, as by a vision, that her earthly life was near its close and to the surprise of her physicians, who were present, she aroused herself from her stupor and calling her friends around her, in a calm but earnest manner, she assured them that the call for her to go up higher had come, that the gates of Heaven were opened to her and she must leave them for the joys that awaited her in the 'great beyond'.

After this positive announcement she made one of the most eloquent prayers ever listened to by the little audience about her. She thanked her Heavenly Father for the grace that had enabled her to live a humble christian life and to look forward to the change with joy in her heart and trust in the Redeemer. She besought the Lord fervently to impart grace and strength to her friends sufficient to sustain them in the separation. After this sacred communion with her God she called for the song - 'Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, Over life's tempestuous sea.'

Hearts were too full for utterance and after waiting a few moments she closed this her touching service with a solemn benediction asking God to bless and keep her friends forevermore--concluded with 'And now into thy hands, Oh Saviour, I commit my spirit.' This beautiful service was the last of earth to Susie Bartlett. She passed into an unconscious state and although she lingered about a week longer, she noticed no one. Her spirit seemed elsewhere engaged.

When the last breath passed, there was a smile on her face like that of one who sleeps in blissful peace. To her, death was a glorious victory. Although surrounded by all that makes life sweet, with bright prospects for the future, she realized that Heaven had more for her. Susie Bartlett joined the M.E. Church while attending school in Clinton. Having a personality responsive to the good and the true, she needed only the Divine grace in order to perfect her character.

As has been previously stated Miss Susan Bartlett was the second daughter and youngest child of Mrs. and Mrs. Chas. Z. Bartlett - born in Jackson Co., Iowa , Jan. 3, 1879, and died Oct. 11, 1895. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.R. Dyre, of Sabula, at Teeds Grove church. The funeral was large and many attestations of regard for the family and love for Susie were made. The elegant Ashes of Roses(?) casket was covered with flowers from Mrs. Chafer, of Minneapolis, Mrs. [illegible...] made beautiful with a [illegible] of white and green by Mr. John Walker and they laid the loved one to rest mid the beauties of nature, while the beauty of her character will remain fresh throughout the years to come. 'At thought of her, the air grows pure, And tremulous and sweet.'

Oct. 1895, prob. Sabula Gazette