Rebecca Susan Hamilton, only daughter and youngest child of William and Lydia Hamilton, was born in the village of Richwood, Union County, June 19, 1838.  It was in early spring the family first moved to the county, and was compelled to stop in Richwood until a house could be completed on the land that was to be occupied as a future home.  It was while living here that she was born.  The name is given in respect to both grandmothers.  She signed her name. R. Susan.  As the youngest sister she became a great object of regard in the family.  All felt anxious that she should acquire a good education.  She entered Delaware College with her brother Thomas, at the age of seventeen; was a most excellent student, and graduated with honor in the year 1859.  She at once showed a desire to take hold of life's duties in a way that would make her self-supporting and at the same time be useful.  She chose teaching as a profession and Illinois as the field of operation.  With her brother Thomas, she taught the school at Wenona, Marshall County, Ill, and was giving great satisfaction, when she had an attack of lung fever, and was compelled to desist and return to Ohio, where, in spite of all attention that could be given her, she died, at the home of her parents, June 13, 1861.  Sad was the day of her burial to her father and mother, brothers, and a large circle of friends.  She had made a profession of religion in Marysville in the Presbyterian Church, and united with that church at the age of thirteen years.  When in Delaware she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church.  At home she was Methodist Protestant. She was a singer of commanding influence.  She loved to sing and loved it until the last.  A few days preceding her death she wished the family to join her in singing a hymn, saying she wished to hear the voice of her mother once more in singing, which request was granted.  Her own voice was quite natural.  She grew weaker, and as her last words she said to her mother, "am so happy."  Thus closed the scene with this fair and lovely youth, just at a time when large hopes of future usefulness were centered upon her.  The heart feels sad in dwelling upon such an event, but we must submit to the direction of the Great Father of all.

"Happy soul, thy days are ended,

All thy mourning days below;

Go, by angel hands attended,

To thy loving Savior, go."