Susan M. Harman, daughter of William and Elizabeth Mariah Weddle Matlock, was born January 15, 1859 in Wabash County, Indiana and departed this life at her Chanute home, 526 W. Walnut, April 17, 1937 at the age of 78 years, 3 months and two days.
Her family moved from Indiana to Iowa and later to Kansas locating at Humboldt. Here she met G.W. Harman whom she later married at Yates Center, Kansas in March, 1876. They homesteaded a 240 acre farm nine miles Northwest of Chanute where they developed their home and raised their family. Nine children were born. They are G.W. Harman of Sedan, Kansas; O.L. Harman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Otis Neely of Waynoka, Oklahoma; E.M. Harman, deceased, formerly of Henryetta, Oklahoma; Roy H. Harman of DeQueen, Arkansas; O.J. Harman of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. T. H. Sutton of Shields, Kansas; Alvin Clinton Harman, deceased and Gladys Harman, also deceased. Her husband preceded her in death April 11, 1914.
Mrs. Harman was the true pioneer type working by her husband's side, enduring some hardships in the early days, helping build her community, serving her neighbors in sickness and in health. Along with her husband, she united with he country church and served there as elsewhere. She was a talented singer and delighted in the hymn service of her church. After moving to Chanute in 1907 she availed herself as always of the church attending the different churches enjoying the fellowship. Of late years because of frail health she has been deprived of this privilege. She was a diligent Bible student and whether in church or at home enjoyed daily communion with her Lord. Lying down for her afternoon rest Saturday afternoon she quietly slipped away to meet Him. Had she spoken she could have well said to us in the words of Bryant: