Susan Beckwith, Revered Pioneer

Her Death at Her Home at Brady Lake Closes a Long and Useful Life

    Mrs. Susan Beckwith who was born in Portage County and had lived for nearly 86 years within its borders, passed away at 3: p.m. Wednesday at her home on the farm on which she had resided for 58 years, in the Brady Lake neighborhood.

   For three years past she had suffered with an incurable growth on one of her eyes. Three weeks ago she was compelled to give up and was taken to her bed with an illness which proved to be pneumonia. Though she was ever hopeful, she sank steadily and passed away as noted above, surrounded by loved ones, members of the family for whom she was always thoughtful and by whom she was looked to for kindly guidance and advice.

   Mrs. Beckwith was a remarkable woman and her home on the Earlville Road from Brady Lake was the scene of many happy gatherings. She took special delight in entertaining and her house was a much visited one. Her friends, and they were legion, were always welcome at "Mother" Beckwith's.

   Left fatherless at an early age, she was placed to a considerable extent upon her own resources. She worked in Kent when a girl, in the home of the late Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Rhodes, and knew their daughter, now the widow of the late Senator M. A. Hanns. She was for a time, with the parents of the Longcoy brothers.

   Mrs. Beckwith's maiden name was Susan Etinger and she was born in Rootstown, June 6, 1823, almost 86 years ago. She was married to Samuel Beckwith Sept. 6, 1843. Seven children were born to them. Marvin, Frank, Mary (Mrs. H. O. Parker) and Samuel survive, all living close to the old home in the vicinity of Brady Lake. One son died in infancy. Lucy died at the age of 23. The other daughter, Melissa deceased, was married to Ambrose Hinds, of Kent. She died a number of years ago, leaving 4 children.

    Mrs. Beckwith died in the house which she and her husband erected in 1861. Her oldest son Marvin, lived with her. It was in this house that her children and many of her grandchildren knew her tender care and were started in life with good and true counsel. She lived a quiet, kindly life. She was devoted to her home and was generous with aid and practical sympathy in time of need or trouble. Her husband died Jan. 6, 1886.

   She was a Christian woman, a member of the Kent Methodist Episcopal church since 1876, aiming to follow its teachings and principles. She was an aunt of John H. Williard, of the City Banking Co. Besides her 4 surviving children she leaves 25 grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She was a member of the pioneer association.

    Through all her suffering she was patient and gentle, in keeping with her long and useful life. The funeral will be held at the late home at 1 p.m. Saturday, conducted by Rev. M. J. Slutz. Interment will be made at Standing Rock cemetery. --Record Courier, Ravenna-Kent--