Campbell, Margaret (Skiles) 1848-1945

SKILES, CAMPBELL, MCCUSKER

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 1/16/2005 at 18:27:31

Services for Mrs. Campbell

Was Member of Early Newton Family, Active in Affairs Here

Final tribute to Mrs. C.W. Campbell, nearly 97, and pioneer Newton woman, was paid Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Morgan Funeral home, with Dr. James W. Bean, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiating.

During the services, A. Eugene Burton sang, “Open the Gate of the Temple” and “Father Whate’er of Earthly Bliss,” accompanied by Mrs. Bernard Stanton. Pall bearers were Dr. B.A. Miller, Dr. O.W. Bunker, Russell Gage, A.S. Ladd, F.E. Meredith, and Thomas Buchanan.

Jean Brown, Mrs. C.W. Ogg and Gertrude Beard were in charge of the large floral offering. Interment was in Newton Union cemetery.

Born in Pennsylvania

Margaret Elizabeth Skiles Campbell was born in West Moreland county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 27, 1848. Had she lived, she would have been 97 this December.

When she was about five years old, she moved with her family to Muscatine, Iowa, to make a home on the prairies. Her father taught school during the winters. Reading was a favorite recreation of the family. In her late teens, she entered Rockford college, Rockford, Ill., for one year. Later she completed a course of study at Grandview academy in Louisa county, Iowa.

Married in 1879

On Dec. 29, 1870, she was united in marriage with Culver W. Campbell and the couple made their home on farms in Muscatine county until 1886 when they moved with their six children to Newton, Ia. At that time they moved into the house which had been Mrs. Campbell’s home for 59 years.

Of the 10 children in the family, only five survive: one son, Foster of St. Joseph, Mich.; and four daughters, Iowa, Maud and Ruth of Newton, and Mrs. Clare McCusker of Portland, Ore.

Mr. Campbell died in 1925. The children preceding the mother in death were two daughters, Mary Margaret, who died in infancy, and Grace; three sons, Frank, Lee and George. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Active in Community

Mrs. Campbell found time to contribute to the good of the community life through her work as an active member of the Social Union, an early effort of women of the community with the same aims as the present Parent-Teachers association and the Woman’s club. She was an interested member of the History club.

She was a member of the Newton Library board when the present building was constructed. In the Presbyterian church she served as president of the Ladies Aid for 10 years. At the time of her death, she was one of the oldest members of the Presbyterian church in the point of membership and was the oldest member in point of years. Her late husband was an active member of the church also. The family has long been one of the most active and conscientious groups in the affairs of the local church. ~ The Newton Daily News, Newton, Iowa, November 8, 1945, page 1.