Elizabeth Kessel 1818-1907

KESSEL, CONARD, ZILHART

Posted By: Wendy Wright (email)
Date: 1/10/2012 at 15:32:04

Spirit Takes Eternal Flight
Mrs. Elizabeth Kessel, None-Generian,Passed Away.

The final rest for one more of Waterloo's aged citizens came Friday night at 9:50, when the Grim Reaper called from the earth the soul of Mrs. Elizabeth Kessel, who for the past nine years has resided with her daughter, Mrs. Sarah J. Conard, at the family residence, 135 Center Street. The old lady, who was at the time of her death, 89 years, 9 months and 3 days old, passed into that long rest which knows no awakening without a struggle, death resulting peacefully to the aged soul.

The deceased for about nine years, had been a silent sufferer from the pains of paralysis, and it was the ultimate cause of her death. At the time of her death, it was the remarkable occurrence of four generations being at her bedside. those who were her direct descendants of hers and included children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She leaves as a direct line of descendants to mourn her death, three children, 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Mrs. Kessel, though despite her extreme age, bore the reputation of pleasant manner, and her estimable way won her many friends even in her very old age. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Church, and in this organization, wherever she went was always able to attend the prayer meetings, which were occasionally held at her daughter's residence at her request.

Obituary:
Elizabeth Kessel was born February 11, 1818, at Hagerstown, Maryland, where she grew to womanhood, and where she was married to John C. Kessel in 1838. They resided ther until 1845, when they came to Illinois and settled at Mount Carroll. In 1854 the family moved to Kendallville, Iowa. Afterwards going to Preston, Minnesota. In 1880 they again returned to Iowa, settling at Waukon. And in 1901 Mrs. Kessel moved to Waterloo to make her home with her daughter, her husband having died May 28, 1884.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kessel, only three of whom are living. Simon of Waukon, Iowa, Jacob of Waterloo and Mrs. Sarah J. Conard of Waterloo, Iowa. The deceased has one brother living, Jacob Zilhart, of Mount Carroll, Ill., but he is unable to be present at the funeral. She also leaves 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

The funeral services will be held at the house Sunday afternoon at 3:00 O'clock, conducted by Rev. John E. Johnson, and burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Waterloo, Iowa newspaper
She passed away Friday November 14, 1907