Mrs. Susana D. (Duffield) McKibbin 1821-1906

MCKIBBIN, DUFFIELD, FERGUSON, CRAMER, ROBERTSON, FARRINGTON, TURNER

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/12/2002 at 02:04:22

WAS EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS OF AGE AT TIME OF HER DEATH--SERVICES WERE CONDUCTED BY J. C. WILSON
-------------------------
Bloomfield Democrat: In the death of Mrs. Susana D. McKibbin our county has lost another beloved character, the church an honored member, and the home one whose personality was rare and whose loss is well nigh irreparable.

Born in Springfield, Ohio, September 2, 1821, she came with her parents at an early age to Van Buren county, Iowa, in the neighborhood of Chequest. After one year's residence the family moved to Floris, Davis county, where Miss Duffield remained until her marrige [sic], and where she taught school several years. In November, 1850, she was married to Mr. John McKibbin, and the new home was made in Bloomfield. Tere [sic] they lived about three years and here their oldest son, George, was born. The next move was back to near the old plase [sic] in Van Buren county. In 1866 they removed for two years to Pittsburg in the same county, and thence in 1868 to the present home, two and one-half miles northeast of Bloomfield.

To this union six children were born, three boys and three girls, of whom the first and the third have passed away, Dr. George J., Jennie M., William D., Charles A., Mary I. (Mrs. Ferguson) and S. Elizabeth (Mrs. Cramer.)

Some little time after her marriage in 1862, Mrs. McKibbin united with the Presbyterian church at Chequest. For some 37 years, since April 10, 1869, she has been connected with the Presbyterian church of Bloomfield, but for some years ill health has prevented attendance.

It had been known for some time that Mrs. McKibbin was nearing her end. When it came, is [sic] was so gradual and gentle that she was walking about a half hour before she was summond [sic] to cross over. She slipped away painlessly, conscious to the last, Thursday evening, April 19, with the family around her. Among her last words were these spoken to her daughter Jennie, "Do you hear the birds singing?" Then "father and mother." Let us trust it was the birds of Parrdise [sic] whose music was dawning on her listening ear.

Owing to the critical illness of Mr. McKibbin only brief service was held at the house conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. C. Wilson. Her mains were borne to the Odd Fellows' cemetery and laid to rest Saturday, April 21.

Among those present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. McKibbin from Mt. Sterling, Iowa, Mrs. Julia McKibbin and son George from Keosauqua, Mr. George C. Duffield, a cousin from Van Buren county, Mr. A. I. Robertson, a nephew from Clarinda, Mr. Thomas Duffield, for years our county surveyor, Mr. John Duffield of Bloomfield, brothers of the deceased, Mrs. Asa Farrington and Mrs. Mary Turner, sisters of the same, were also present, beside numerous other friends and neighbors.

From few lives could the poet with more assurance have drawn his picture, or with more accuracy, than from Mrs. McKibbin's when he wrote;--

"So live that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan, that moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night.
Scourged to his dungeon; sustained and sooth'd,
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one that draws the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

So passed this saint to her reward. So may we all remember her and follow.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 73 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, Iowa Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in February 2000. Name and date of newspaper not given.)

I am NOT related to this person and am posting it for those who may find him/her in their family tree.

[Original Post 20 Feb 2000]