Mrs. Rilea McKissen d. 1886

MCKISSEN, HERRON, SKILES

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/16/2006 at 15:55:15

The Gazette; Davenport, Scott, Iowa; Tuesday, November 30, 1886 pg. 4

AN OLD SETTLER GONE
Death of Mrs. Rilea McKinnen and Old Resident of Blue Grass at Dalton, Ga.

Monday morning, Nov. 22, there occurred in Dalton, Ga., the death of an old lady for many years a resident of this county, Mrs. Ellen McKissen, of Blue Grass. Mrs. McKissen was born in Washington county, Penn., Feb. 28, 180? [1800 or 1806]. She was married in Pittsburg and in 1855 came with her husband Robert McKissen to Iowa where she has lived ever since. In 1857 her husband died and she was left to go through the rest of life's journey alone. In 1884 she received a paralytic stroke, but since that time she has enjoyed comparatively good health. In August of the present year she went to Dalton, Ga., to spend the winter with her daughter hoping that the mild southern climate would benefit her. A few days before her death she had a second stroke of paralysis which caused her death. The remains were temporarily interred in Dalton, but doubtless they will be brought to Blue Grass for a final resting place beside the husband who passed away years ago. She has two daughters, Mrs. James Herron, of Dalton, Ga., and Mrs. E.J. Skiles of this city, and thirteen grand children, twenty great grand children. Mrs. McKissen was a woman of rare strong will and clearness of mind. She retained her vigor and mental activity during her entire life. Her Christian character was unimpeachable and by the sweetness of her disposition she won the love and esteem of all who were so fortunate as to know her. It can truly [be] said of her, "Her children shall rise up and call her blessed." May she rest in peace.