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.

SHARE