Telitha COLEMAN was born in Kentucky on April 9, 1826, passed peacefully away into the long sweet sleep at 3 o'clock on the morning of July 21, 1915, aged 89 years, 3 months and 12 days. She was a daughter of Stephen and Naomi Moore Pruett. When she was two years old she came with her parents to Jackson township, Parke County, Indiana. in the vicinity of Rocky Fork and here her girlhood was passed. She received the education afforded by the schools of those early days, attending school in one of the oft, described old log school houses, bare of comfort, where she sat with dangling feet through the long, long monotonous round of three R's. On April 28, 1844 she became the wife of Zopher Coleman, who had the proud distinction of being the first white child born in Jackson township, his parents being pioneer residents of the township. They were married at the farm home of Solomon B. Garrigus, a justice of peace who lived near Mansfield and after Mr. Garrigus had pronounced the ceremony, went afoot to the residence of Mr. Coleman's parents, east of Mansfield. When they arrived at the Coleman ford it was impassible on account of high-waters, and the bridegroom's father came with a canoe and towed them across. As was the family custom, they met the newly wedded couple and served them wine. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman began housekeeping on Rocky Fork in a cabin with clapboard sides and a puncheon floor, where they lived one year, moving then to his father's farm, where Mr. Coleman resided until his death eighteen years ago, and where the deceased had lived for seventy consecutive years. Twelve children came to bless this union, three of whom died in youth. Those surviving the parents are six sons, John Perry Coleman, who lived with his mother, Abraham T. of Carbon vicinity, Albert Zopher of Montezuma, Stephen Randolph of Mansfield, James Harvey of Hollandsburg and Percy Oliver of Medaryville; three daughters, Mrs. Emily Jane Garrigus of Terre Haute, Laura Ellen Smith and Telitha Ann Harmless of Mansfield, thirty grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Mrs. Coleman united with the Predestination Baptist Church when services were held at "Rocky Fork" church and old log church on the Kemper land, then for awhile worshipped at the Denman church near Rosedale, later placing her membership at North Union, where it remained until her death. She was a strong believer in the doctrines of that denomination, and a faithful advocate of them always, in the days in which she lived nothing was thought of going a long distance to worship God as they saw fit, often going on foot and again on horseback no matter what the weather. Like all women of those early days with sturdy heart and mind, she survived great hardships unknown to present generations. She spun and wove and fashioned the clothes her family wore and with the industry they characterized her throughout life, she was always busy at some task. She gave her family and home her deepest devotion earning more for them than for all things else in this world. She taught her children the principles of right living, and proved herself in every way a noble, womanly woman. She had strength of mind to form her own opinions and was fearless in speaking them when she believe it right. She was hospitable in her nature an enjoyed entertaining company, well sustaining her reputation as a splendid cook. She was the last member of her father's family and survived most of the men and women who grew up with her. Her life is fittingly portrayed in the book of Proverbs "She skeined the wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands. She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also, and he praiseth her." "Aunt Telitha" as she was best faithful wife, good mother, and friend lived a long, well rounded life, and with deep abiding faith in her Savior and the immortal life beyond the grave. She fearlessly answered the summons, and has gone to receive the reward of the faithful. On Thursday afternoon the mortal remains, followed by a large cortège of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends, were conveyed to North Union church, where a large audience------ (end of obit. gone)
