Richards

KATIE FOXWELL

Posted By: COL Brad Anderson (email)
Date: 1/2/2004 at 13:21:37

b: 15 Aug, 1855
d: 5 April, 1955

"Last Tuesday, though a special day, was spent quietly in the home of Mrs. Katie Richards. Mrs. Charlotee Medberry, Fayette, and Miss Ella Foxwell were present to help their sister Mrs. Richards, celebrate her 95th birthday anniversary. A special observance will be held a litte later when her daughter, Mrs. C.A. Colburn, Chicago, can be present.

Mrs. Richards has always been a great reader and in that way keeps up on present day happenings. She especially enjoys visiting with her callers, and doesn't mind in the least the constant practising of scales by the piano students of her daughter, Miss Amy Richards, who has her music studio in the Richards home. Last year, on her 94th birthday, she accompanied her two daughters, Miss Amy and Mrs. Colburn and Mr. Colburn, on a several weeks trip through Minnesota and into Canada.

Gardening is her special hobby, and despite her 95 years, she helps with the household tasks and mending. Her eyesight is excellent as is her health, except for a sick spell early this summer.

Mrs. Richards was born near Racine, Wis., in 1855, the daughter of Thomas and Frances Humphry Foxwell. She came with her parents to Iowa when seven years old, settling in Illyria township southeast of West Union. She married Thomas Richards, Milwaukee Wis., and they made their home in Illyria community, later moving to West Union. Mr. Richards died 22 years ago.

She has another daughter besides Amy and Mrs. Colburn, Mrs. I.F. Shaffer, Fayette. There are four grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.

Also blessed with long life are her sisters, Mrs. Medberry, who is looking forward to celebrating her 91st birthday in September, and Miss Foxwell, who was 81 last winter.