Tombstone Tuesday: Samuel and Louisa Darling

McCray Cemetery
Wilkinson, Hancock Co., Indiana

Samuel Claude Darling was the son of Samuel S. and Mariah (Luthultz) Darling and the nephew of my great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (Darling) Runyan. He married Louisa May Sullivan on January 23, 1909 in Henry Co., Indiana. They had two children: Wilbur Harold and Isabella Jane. Louisa was the daughter of Andrew and Isabelle (Johnson) Sullivan and was responsible for writing the lengthy obituary of my great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth.

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Amanuensis Monday: Obituary of Samuel Claude Darling

SAMUEL CLAUDE DARLING

February 6, 1886 - November 9, 1939

About Amanuensis Monday: John Newmark, who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog started a Monday Blog Theme called "Amanuensis Monday". John defines "amanuensis" as "a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another."

Samuel Claude Darling was the youngest child of Samuel S. and Mariah Jane Luthultz Darling. He was the nephew of my maternal great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Darling Runyan. Samuel Claude's wife was Louisa May Sullivan who was responsible for writing Mary Elizabeth's obituary. 

OBITUARY OF SAMUEL CLAUDE DARLING

(Typewritten piece of paper, no date, only signed C.H.C.)

"Here lies a common man. His hands, crossed meekly as a maid's across a breast, show marks of toil and by his general dress, you judge him to be an artisan. Could all his life be written out, the story would not thrill. He worked, he laughed, he loved and suffered in his time, but now rests peacefully with upturned face and his lok belies all struggles of the past, and the gap between a king and me, a nameless gazer in the crowd, seems not so wide as that which stretches now between us two this dead one and myself. Untitled and unsung, he is now transfigured by a tuch from out the skies and he wears with all unconscious grace, the strange and sudden dignity of death. Samuel Claude Darling was the son of Samuel and Maria Jane Darling. He was born February 6, 1886 on the old home place, north of Kennard and died at his work in New Castle on November 9, 1939 at the age of 53 years, 9 months and 3 days. He was married on December 23, 1909 to Louisa May Sullivan and together they spent 30 years of happy congenial married life. To enrich and bless their marital experience, their family circle was completed by the birth of one son and one daughter. His entire life was spent in and around Kennard and his death marks the passing of one of her truly native sons. He lived on the farm on which he was born until a few years after his marriage, when he moved his family to the house which he had built for them in Kennard, in which they still resided at the time of his death. He lived a normal healthful life and found much pride in his hardy constitution and robust strength. He was industrious and died with the working tools of his trade in his grasp, which was characteristic of the man and which was a fitting close to an active life. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was interested in the work and affairs of the church. He was quiet and retiring by nature and was unassuming in service and worship, but of him may be truly said; he was a Christian gentleman. He was God-fearing and law abiding, industrious and thrifty, honest and humble and we believe these words express the sentiment of the entire community in which he lived and died. He leaves to mourn, his wife, his son, Wilbur, his daughter Mrs. Gerald Keesling, 5 grandchildren, 3 brothers, Robert, Quincy and Frank and many more remote relatives and friends.

We mourn not the dead, who calmly lie

By God's own hand composed to rest;

For hark! A voice from yonder sky

Proclaims them blest-supremely blest.

Mourn not the dead whose lives declare

That they have nobly borne their part,

For immortal is the crown they wear

Reserved for every faithful heart.

They rest in peace; their hallowed dust

Is watched and from the grave shall rise;

Earth shall give her sacred trust

Made all immortal for the skies.

                                                                  C. H. C.

Samuel and Louisa are buried in the McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson, Hancock Co., Indiana

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Amanuensis Monday: Obituary Of Samuel S. Darling

SAMUEL S. DARLING 1846 - 1918

About Amanuensis Monday: John Newmark, who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog started a Monday Blog Theme called "Amanuensis Monday". John defines "amanuensis" as "a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another."

Samuel S. Darling was the brother of Mary Elizabeth Darling Runyan, my maternal great grandmother. The obituary/biography below was was written by his family. Samuel is buried in Hedrick Cemetery, near Kennard, Henry Co., Indiana.

Obituary of Samuel S. Darling

Life! I know not what thou are, 

but know that thou and I must part; 

and when or how or where we met, 

I own to me is a secret yet. 

Life! We've been long together, 

through pleasant and through cloudy weather; 

tis hard to part when friends are dear. 

Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear, 

then steal away; give little warning; 

choose thine own time. 

Say not "Goodnight," 

but in some brighter clime 

bid me, "Good Morning".

Samuel S. was the second child of Samuel and Beulah Darling. He was born in Salem county, New Jersey, October 17, 1846 and passed away at his home near Kennard, May 2, 1918, at the age of 71 years, 6 months and 15 days. When he was about 8 years old his father moved to Indiana and settled in the southern part of Henry county and in that county he spent his remaining years. With the exception of a few years his entire life has been devoted to farming. In the year 1868 on October 29 he was married to Maria Jane Luthultz. To them were born seven children, all of whom are now living with the exception of Charles who died in infancy. the deceased has been in poor health for a number of years and had he not been descended from the old sturdy couragious pioneer stocks he must have succumbed to his weaknesses long ago. In spite of the aches and pain, in spite of the weariness of body and limb he kept on his feet. For two years his faithful wife has been in poor health and it seemed that his single motive in continuing the battle for life was to see that she, with whom he had spent almost 50 years of his life, might be provided with every comfort. And his last act on earth was to exact from his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Claude Darling, a promise that she would care for "Mother." Just as he was faithful in life, was he faithful in death. Sam, as he was generally known, was a splendid neighbor and a good citizen. He was honorable in his business dealings and honest in all things. He was always ready to step over the line and do a little bit more than was his part which is the act of a Christian gentleman. He became converted when about 35 years old and joined the Wesleyan church, but later on moved his membership to the Methodist church and he was a member of this church at the time of his death. He was God fearing and devout in his worship. He was a great student of the Bible and acquired an exceptional amount of knowledge of the Holy Writ by persistant reading. Several times in the last few days he told his family that he was ready to go. That there was not a thing in the way and the road was clear. He leaves behind, his good wife, 6 children, Mrs John Brookshire of Hillister, Cal., Mrs. John Hedrick, Robert, Frank, Quincy and Claude, one brother, Quincy, of Spiceland, two sisters, Mrs. Mary Runyan of New Castle, Mrs. Artmuzy Luthultz, 19 grand children, 6 great grand children and a host of neighbors and friends to mourn their loss. 

Sunset and evening star, 

and one clear call for me 

and may there be no moaning of the bar 

when I put out to sea. 

For tho' from out our bourn of time and place 

the good may bear me far, 

I hope to see my Pilot face to face 

when I have crossed the bar. 

OHC Cards of Thanks - We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their sympathy and kindness during our sorrow in the loss of our husband and father. - MRS. SAMUEL DARLING AND CHILDREN.

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Amanuensis Monday: Obituary Of Artmezy Darling Luthultz

ARTMEZY DARLING LUTHULTZ

1854 - 1935

About Amanuensis Monday: John Newmark, who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog started a Monday Blog Theme called "Amanuensis Monday". John defines "amanuensis" as "a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another."

Artmezy Darling Luthultz was the sister of Mary Elizabeth Darling Runyan, my maternal great grandmother. The obituary below was most likely written by her daughter Beulah Eletha Luthultz Thompson.

Artmezy Luthultz

Weep not that her toils are over, 

  Weep not that her race is run, 

God grant, we may rest as calmly 

  When our work, like hers, is done.

Till then we yield with gladness,

  Our Mother to Him to keep,

And rejoice in the sweet assurance

  He giveth His loved ones, sleep.

Artmezy, daughter of Samuel and Beulah Darling, was born in Delaware county, New Jersey, January 8, 1854. When about three years of age she, with her parents, came to Henry county, Indiana, and the remainder of her life has been spent here.  She grew up in an age when opportunities for an education were very limited. She has seen schools outgrow the small log buildings and move into modern structures. She has seen the rough pole roads replaced by pavements; forests cleared and swamps drained.  She was the sixth of a family of thirteen children, all of whom are gone but one brother.  September 30, 1869, she was united in marriage to Uriah Luthultz, and to this union seven children were born, of these one is living.  Mother loved nature and when physically able spent much time out of doors. She believed in God and His dear Son and when about 41 years of age united with the Christian church.  Almost 21 years ago, after hearing the truths taught by the Seventh Day Adventists she joined that church.  During her last illness she often expressed her thankfulness in tender words to those who so willingly cared for her.  Her family and friends have left her one by one, until she was lonely and anxious to go.  She fell asleep April 6, 1935, age 81 years, 2 months and 28 days. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Charles Thompson. One brother, Quincy Darling, five grandchildren, a number of nephews and nieces and many friends.  A good mother and grandmother, one who sacrificed much during the past years for those nearest her heart.  A good sister, a kind and thoughtful friend and neighbor has left us.  

I've just laid down to rest a while,

  Nay, do not weep, but wear a smile,

I'll rest a while then new life greet

  And I'll take up my work again,

Without the weariness and pain.

  Relieved of all that hinders here,

I'll feel a nobler, broader sphere;

  Nay, do not weep, but wear a smile,

(cannot read last line)

Note: In the Salem Co., New Jersey 1850 census Artmezy's parents, Samuel and Beulah Smith Darling, are living next door to Charles and Artemisia Newell. Samuel and Beulah named their first born William Newell Darling and I believe William and his sister Artmezy were both named for this couple. It is not yet known if the couple is related or if they were just close friends and neighbors. I have never seen Artmezy's name spelled "Artemisia" but I feel certain that is the name that was intended.

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