Ruhanna Jane (Newlin) Barnett (1912)

BARNETT, NEWLIN

Posted By: Ida Morse
Date: 1/8/2006 at 14:12:39

Earlham Library Obituaries
Earlham, Iowa
June 1912

Obituary

Ruhanna Jane Newlin was born near Plainfield, Hendricks Co., Ind, 4th month, 5th, 1846, where she lived until the age of eleven years, when she with her widowed mother Ruth Newlin, two brothers and one sister, moved to Iowa in a covered wagon in 1857 settling where the town of Stuart now stands. In 1865 they removed to Dallas Co.

Many hardships were to be met with by them all, Jennie, as she was called, did all she could to lighten the heavy burden which rested so heavily on her mother's shoulders. She made use of every opportunity to learn and at the age seventeen began to teach school and help the family, a vocation which she followed until married to Curtis H. Barnett 11th month, 3rd, 1870. Their home was near Earlham for several years.

Six children were born to them all of whom and her husband survive her to mourn their loss. She was a member of the Conservative Friends and although she endeavored to live up to the tenets of her own faith she was charitable toward those of others. Being of a ready pen she often used this gift in the service of the church, also keeping up correspondence with a large circle of friends who appreciated her letters. Kindness to the poor and those in trouble was a marked feature in her character.

In 1901 she moved with her husband and children near Spokane, Washington. Although she was isolated from those in church fellowship, her faith remained unchanged. She served as superintendent or teacher in the Scripture school near by and attended as long as she was able.

She had been troubled for years with a bronchial cough which gradually grew worse. Her suffering, which was often great, was born with great patience and uncomplaining fortitude. On awakening from her sleep about two hours before her death she said, “I have had such a pleasant dream. Oh, it was grand and beautiful.” These were her last words.

She fell asleep again to wake in the arms of her Saviour on 6th month, 13, 1912. She requested that her funeral be conducted in the simple manner of her profession without unnecessary expense or display, which detract from the solemnity of such occasions, thus using her influence toward breaking a yoke of custom which often rests heavy on those in limited circumstances who love their dear ones who are called away as well as the rich. She was interred in Marshall cemetery as she requested. She will be greatly missed by her many friends who mourn not as those without hope.

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