COUCH, Jessie E. (Manson) 1848-1879

COUCH, MANSON

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/7/2014 at 23:54:47

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, June 4, 1879, Waterloo, Iowa]

Mrs. Jessie E. Couch Dead.

Died, at her residence, in this city, on Thursday evening, May 20th, at 8:45 o'clock, of peritonitis, induced by pelvic heamatocele, Mrs. Jessie E. Couch, aged 30 years, 7 mouths and 1 days.

While the winds of last Thursday evening were blowing fiercely outside, the soul of Mrs. Jessie Couch was bidding farewell to this earth and winging its way to a home above, leaving behind a sorrowing circle of relatives and friends. Mrs. Couch had been ill for about two weeks previous to her death, but for considerable of that time her life had been despaired of, and although the friends and sorrowing husband held on to the feeble thread of hope, yet they could but fear that the end of her earthly existence was fast approaching.

Mrs. Couch was a daughter of Robt. Manson, Esq., of this city. She was born in Canada, October 25th, 1848. After coming to Iowa her parents resided some time at Dubuque, and the deceased leaves a large circle of friends in that city. Mr. Manson and family were among the early residents of this city and many of the years of her girlhood and womanhood, up to the time when death laid his hand upon her, were spent in this city, and her true friends among our people are many.

On the 8th of January, 1873, she was united in marriage with C. F. Couch, of the firm of Boies & Couch, and the prospects of a long and happy life illumined the future. On the 8th of March, 1875, a daughter was born, that thus early in life has had the lesson of mortality taught her.

During her illness the best of medical aid was summoned. Dr. O. S. Knox together with Dr. McCluer, of Dubuque, combated the disease but without avail.

The funeral services were held at the house last Saturday afternoon, Rev. R. Macquesten, of the Presbyterian church of this city, assisted by Rev. B. Phelps, of Vinton, formerly of this city, officiating The house was appropriately decorated with flowers, gathered and prepared by loving hands as a testimonial of affection, mingling the white flowers of purity with the green, emblematic of an ever living memory of the dead. On the west side of the room where the services were conducted were in green letters on white ground, the sentence: "Heaven Claimed Her," underneath which was a large anchor in green trimmed with white flowers, with a calla lily springing from its center. Among the other floral decorations were harps in green and white, a crown of beautiful flowers, a star, while large quantities of flowers in bouquets, were arranged on every side. In the bay window the flowers which had belonged to the deceased and received her care were neatly arranged. The remains in an elegant casket, which was covered with flowers, sat in the center of the room, and at the foot was a beautiful easel of flowers, placed there by the members of the Art Association, to which she belonged. The rooms were crowded with sincere mourners and the impressive services of the funeral were inspired by sorrow that was heartfelt. A quartette consisting of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gilbert, Mrs. J. H. Leavitt and C. O. Balliett, with S. C. Gilbert as organist, sang "Refuge," after which remarks were made by the pastors.

Mr. Phelps alluded to the fact that thirteen years ago he had received the deceased into membership in the church, and she had been one of the most conscientious members. He enlarged upon the idea that death was merely a separation, that Mrs. Couch was Mrs. Couch still, and was watching over her husband and daughter with a wifely and motherly love. He thought that when the Savior said, "I go to prepare a place for you," it was not so much a location that was meant, but a place of duty; that the earthly mission was not all; there was another and a higher sphere of duty to which she had been called, Rev. Mr. Macquesten referred to the seemingly harsh providence of God in cutting off her existence in the bloom of life, and made a comparison with Moses, whose death came while yet his life's work was far from being finished. He also alluded to the fact that during the day previous many of the poor people to whose wants Mrs. Couch had frequently ministered came to the house of mourning and begged permission to see the remains of their friend and benefactor.

At the close of the remarks the choir sang "Gone Before," and the long funeral cortege wended its way to the cemetery on the west side, where a place of sepulture had been prepared. The grave was almost a bank of flowers, the sides being concealed by blossoms and even the heap of earth thrown out was festooned. When the coffin was lowered the members of the Art Association passed around the grave, each one casting a bouquet upon the coffin. Thus covered with flowers, all that was earthly of Mrs. Couch was laid away.

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Her husband was Carlton F. Couch 1845 - 1896
Daughter: Gertrude A. Couch 1875 - 1887