BARKER, Susannah Pithoud - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Obituary of Susannah Pithoud Barker Susannah Pithoud, daughter of Francis and Catherine Moore Pithoud, was born Feb. 21, 1828, near Portsmouth, O., departed this life Feb. 7, 192 1, age 92 years, 11 months, 16 days. She was the third child of a family of 12 children, and the last of them to depart this life. Her brothers and sisters were Elisha, Jackson, James, Phillip and John Pithoud, one brother who died in infancy; Nancy Brook , Charlotte Harvey, Elizabeth Nickel, Julia Lawson and Catherine Pithoud. She was married Nov. 14, 1845, to William H. Barker, who preceded her in death 21 years ago. To this union were born seven children -- Charles and Thomas, Nettie Brooks, Emmeline Newlin, Catherine Davies, Charlotte and Martha Downs with whom the deceased had made her home for the last 37 years. Of these only three children survive her. In the early part of her life the departed joined the United Brethern church but later she became a member of the Newlight church of which she was an active member, doing all she could for the welfare of the church. When at the age of only six weeks, her parents and family moved to Indiana, first locating in Washington township, Parke county, east of Marshall, later moving to Sugar Creek township. After her marriage she and her husband founded their home in Fountain county but later the family returned to Sugar Creek township where she and her husband spent the remainder of their lives.

Reared in the days of pioneer life the subject of this sketch was brought up to face hardships and privations and thus was taught economy and self denial, virtues that we of the present day generation grossly lack. Often we have listened to her recital of those early days of this country a nd how she would sit up half the nights to spin roll after roll by the light of a candle made by her own hands to be able to make the garments for the family. More than 20 years ago she fashioned and made by her own finger work the greater part of the garments in which she wished to be laid away for her final rest. Industrious and frugal, kind and generous she was to one and all. Ever ready to extend a helping hand to the needy, a word of cheer and comfort for the sad and wearied, this noble woman possess ed all the principles and qualifications of a true christian spirit whi ch endeared her to everyone who knew her or was fortunate enough to meet her. . So now after four score and twelve years spent in a useful christian life she has entered upon the eternal life to enjoy her reward. Her voi ce is stilled, her form is gone, but the memory of the good she has done will ever remain with us. The departed leaves to mourn their loss three daughters -- Nettie Brooks of Veedersburg, Emmeline Newlin of Annapolis and Martha Downs; a score of grandchildren, a number of great-grandchildren, se veral great-great-grandchildren, besides a host of friends, who sympathize with the family in this hour of sorrow in the bereavement of their loved one. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday at 11 o'clock by Rev. J. H. Mellargue of Kingman. Burial at Cashatt cemetery. -- kbz

Mrs. Susannah Barker, age 93, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mattie Downs in Sugar Creek Township early Monday morning. She was the last of a family of 12 children = 6 boys and 6 girls born to Frances & Catherine (Moore) Pithoud who came from Sciota Co Ohio to Sugar Creek Twp, Parke County in the early pioneer days. She was married to William M. Barker in 1845 and to this union were born 7 children, 3 of whom survive: Mrs. Emeline Newlin of Annapolis; Mrs. Nettie Brooks of Veedersburg and Mrs. Downs with whom she made her home since the death of her husband in 1897. Funeral services were held today at the home. Burial in Cashatt Cemetery. -- kbz