January 26, 1911
Death of Susan Brantly [sic]
A short sketch of one of the oldest citizens of our county--Aunt Susan Brantley. She was born July 23rd, 1823. She was converted at the age of sixteen years, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Piney Fork. In after years she was transferred to Sugar Grove church and remained there as a consistent member till God called for her. She was married to W. J. Brantley November, 1843, to this union was born ten children, five living and five dead. Caraline [sic] and Deanie are still living at the old home; Tressie married J. M. Lamb who lived near by; Dora married J. M. McConnell, who lives 3 miles west of Shady Grove.
W. B. Brantly [sic W. D. Brantley] married W. B. Crider's daughter and is now living in Sheridan county, Kan. Aunt Susan was the seventh child of her father's family, five and two girls. All have passed away but L. M. Travis, who is now living at Tribune, Ky., he will be ninety years old the 20th of next June. Aunt Sue knew what it was to break flax, card and spin cotton, to make summer clothing for the family by the light of pine knots. She spun and wove their winter clothing which brought them great comfort.
She has followed the cradle bound wheat and oats, day in and day out. Plowed, hoed gathered corn, picked brush, burnt logs in order to help her husband to provide plenty for the family and to help others. I stop here to brush away the tears so I may see how to write this sketch.
Think of it will you; in her younger days there were no washboards or washing machines. It was a bench and a paddle to beat the dirt out of the clothes thus they worked hard and made a good living. When going to church in summertime they would carry their shoes in their hands until near the church then sit down and brush off the dust put on there shoes and go in.
Now don't any of you who read this get it up your nose that those people were of a low grade of people, they were among the best and paid for what they eat and wore. W. J. Brantly [sic] died February 12th, thirteen years ago. Aunt Susan and the two girls have lived at the old home with plenty. Miss Deanie, who is the youngest girl took hold of the reins and like a hero at the head of an army, she stood in the front took the hard places for which we give her praise. She was true to her mother to the last, may God blessings rest upon her and her needed wants be supplied. On the morning of the 26th of December the doctor was called in to see Aunt Sue. On the 28th he was called again but to no profit so for as life is concerned. She had to pull up her feet and die. Aunt Sue said to me when I went to her bed side and asked if I could do any thing for her she said not now it is all right. Aunt Sue came up through life after the Martha style--looking after the home affairs which was right. She divided with the hungry and took in the stranger and was kind to her neighbors. Right here lest I forget Aunt Sue was convicted and converted under the preaching of Gardner and Turner at Wilsons camp ground seven miles East of Marion, Kentucky.
She had lots of friends. Her parents came to this country in 1803. Settled down at old Copperas Spring near where she lived and died. They were South Carolinians. The writer of this sketch has had the privilege of conducting five funerals of the oldest women in our county: Aunt Tressie Price, Aunt Sarah Nunn, Aunt Crider from Illinois, Aunt Mary Lucas, Aunt Susan Brantly [sic]. May Gods richest blessings rest upon their off spring.
U. J. Hill.
Source: Crittenden Record-Press. January 26, 1911. Clipping from the Louise (Wesmoland) McConnell scrapbook.
[My comments are in brackets.]
