Alettha Coutant - Obituary

(1808 - 1895)
Unknown Newspaper, New York

Mrs. Schurman Halsted

Alettha Coutant Halsted was born in New York city June 7, 1808, and died in the same city at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Tackaberry, Feb. 3, 1895. Her father, Gilbert Coutant, was a trustee of old John Street church as early as 1798, and afterward was a trustee of Seventh Street Church, then called "Bowery Village" Church. It was in this church that Mrs. Halsted was converted at the age of thirteen years.

She was happily married to Schurman Halsted April 4, 1827, and in the religious training of their large family and in her hospitality to all "standard bearers of the cross" was always in perfect accord with her husband. Her sphere was particularly domestic, and yet during the twenty-three years of her membership in Allen Street Church, where her husband was an official and a most zealous member, she was interest actively in several benevolent societies, and was also a charter member of the Old Ladies' Home.

Family worship was always conducted by her after the death of her husband, which occurred in the month of October, 1862. This great trial was followed in 1871 by the loss of her elegant home in Mamaroneck by fire, many valuable and precious possessions being consumed in the flames. But her Christian patience and faith never forsook her. When one of her children condoled with her on account of the loss of her home, she made answer: "I am glad I have a building above not made with hands." She always greatly prized the means of grace, and up to four years ago, when she became quite infirm, was a regular attendant. The visits of the pastor were much appreciated and if asked whether she would like to have prayer offered invariably replied, "Always, my brother, always." Her parting words to her pastor on the occasion of his last visit to her were, "Looking unto Jesus, brother, looking unto Jesus."

Five of her children have preceded her to the heavenly home, but amid all these and other afflictions her faith never faltered, and she was ever comforted in the hope of a sure and happy reunion.

Her membership in the Mamaroneck church embraced a period of forty-three years, although for the past four years, both sight and hearing being impaired, she was numbered among the "shut-in." Her mind, however, remained active to the last, and her interest in the church and all religious movements continued unabated.

She had no fear of death, and among others often repeated Hymn 969 of the Methodist Hymnal, which she had learned in childhood, beginning "Vital spark of heavenly flame." Amid her devoted children and grandchildren she quietly passed away Feb. 3.

The funeral services were conducted at the home of her daughter by the Rev. Emory J. Haynes, D.D., and the Rev. D. G. Downey, a former pastor, her present pastor, the writer, being detained by illness.

Four children survive her -- Ezekiel S., of Brooklyn; Mrs. William H. Stiles, and William H., of Mamaroneck; and Mrs. John A. Tackaberry, of New York city.

J. E. Holmes