Rochelle Register, Saturday, January 22, 1881
Obituary for Susanna Case Bennett Callen

Mrs. James Callen was born in Otsego County, New York. She was the daughter of Hannah and Elijah Bennett. She was married December 24th, 1849, to James Callen. The next spring Mr. and Mrs. Callen came to this place, then known as Hickory Grove. At that time there were but two houses here, and those were built of logs.
After some years, Mrs. Callen's health being poor, they went to California, and remained on the Pacific coast ten years. During that time she regained her health.
They returned to Rochelle about the time the war closed, and have lived here since.
Six years ago Mrs. Callen was smitten with paralysis, and it was thought at the time that she must die. She rallied, however, and though an invalid, and almost helpless the remainder of her life, she never murmured or repined. She suffered the most excruciating pain for days and weeks, but she had the strength and Christian resignation to bear it uncomplaingly. She exemplified all the Christian graces. She was a loving wife and tender mother.
She has left a husband, two sons and two daughters, two brothers and two sisters, and very many friends to mourn her loss.
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."

"No sickness there,
No weary wasting of the fram away,
No fearful shrinking from the midnight air,
No dread of summer's bright and fervid ray!

No hidden grief,
No wild and cheerless visions of despair;
No van petition for a swift relief,
No tearful eyes - no broken hearts are there!

No parted friends
O'er mournful recollections have to weep -
No bed of death - enduring love attends,
To watch the coming of a pulseless sleep!"

Rochelle Telephone
January 22, 1881

Mrs. James Callen ended her long continued suffering last Monday in death. Her's(sic) was a remarkable case; some six years ago Mrs. Callen was afflicted with a stroke of paralysis from which she never fully recovered. She has for the last two years been able to move about the house by the aid of crutches, but two or three months ago a misstep brought her to the floor, falling with great violence so as to break the large bone in one limb between the knee and body. From the effect of this she failed to recover, and she died by inches, so to speak. Her suffering has been very great. Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church, last Wednesday, and Israel Brundage preached the funeral sermon

Rochelle Telephone
January 22, 1881

CARD OF THANKS
Mr. James Callen and daughters return heartfelt thanks to the people of Rochelle, especially to the ladies of the W.C.T.U. for their great kindness to the family during the sickness and death of a beloved wife and mother.

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