Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 07/22/1886

Colburn, Betsy (21 SEP 1815 - 18 JUL 1886)

Died, on Sunday, July 18th, 1886, at the residence of her son, W. S. Colburn, Mrs. Betsy Colburn, at the advanced age of 70 years.

Mrs. Colburn was born in Middletown, N.Y., Sept. 21st, 1815. Her maiden name was Betsy Older. She was married Sept. 15th, 1839, to A. T. Colburn at Sinclairville, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. In 1842, she, with her husband sought a home in the West. For four years they resided in Battle Creek, Mich. From "1847 to 1851 they were at Janesville, Wis. then for 15 years they were settled in Jefferson, Wis. In 1865 they moved to Monroe Co., Wis., where they remained until their removal to Neillsville in 1881. In Monroe Co. they were first at Angelo, then at Cataract and then at Sparta. Mr. Colburn died very suddenly April 7, 1884. He was a man of untiring activity, of unimpeachable integrity, and of high standing in the community.

Three children remain to mourn her loss: Winfield Scott, W. J., of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Laura M. of Neillsville.

In Aug. of '84 Mrs. Colburn made her last visit to Sparta, a visit precious in her memory. Soon after this she attended church for the last time. Nov. 7th, 1884, she was stricken with paralysis, but from the spring of '85 to June of '86, she was able to enjoy life to a considerable degree. Now and then she was able to ride out for an hour or so. Occasionally she enjoyed the reading of a sermon, and week after week she kept herself posted on the current topics of the day, watching with intensest interest the onward movements of the great temperance army.

Her natural gifts were more than ordinary. Well educated and highly cultured, she was everywhere recognized as a woman of great usefulness. In both the Congregational and the Presbyterian Church she was recognized as ever faithful and ever true. Thoroughly orthodox, highly evangelical and unceasingly active, she was just such a counselor and helper as a pastor so much needs.

Many had been her bodily infirmities and numerous had been her trials in other respects, but through it all her faith triumphed. Hopefully, and even joyfully, did she pass the time of her pilgrimage her on earth. Much as she longed for rest, she patiently waited the day of her departure.

The funeral, like that of her husband, was attended from the residence, quietly and unostentatiously was her body carried to her last resting place. The well chosen songs by the choir were sweet, and the brief sentences of her pastor were full of words and thoughts that told how deeply he felt the loss of one who had always upheld his hands and cheered his heart.