Catherine Loomis 1832-1927

LOOMIS, BAKER, NEWBERRY

Posted By: The Obituary Fairy (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 18:05:12

The Davenport Democrat & Leader (Davenport, IA); Sunday Morning, March 27, 1927:

Loomis

94-Year-Old Lady, Long a Resident Here, is Called

Mrs. Catherine Loomis, age 94, better known as “Grandma Loomis” to the host of loving friends made during her score of years here in Davenport, died Friday at 5 p.m. at her home, 211½ Brown street. Death followed an illness lasting over eight years, but thru which Mrs. Loomis clung determinedly in life and smiled cheerily while she did it.

She was born Nov. 12, 1832, and on the occasion of her 94th birthday, celebrated by receiving callers with the sincerest of kind wishes, dozens of friends and neighbors.

Since 1922, she had been under the care of the Davenport visiting nurse, whose calls she awaited as a bright bit of sunshine in her life and with whom she would chat wittily and pleasantly. Neighbors calling to do a favor always found her in the best of spirits, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Born in Holly Springs, Mississippi many years before the Civil War, she witnessed the slave trade at its height. Marrying when young, her first husband, George Baker, a member of the Confederate army, was killed in a battle near their home. After the armies had moved on, and the roar of guns had ceased, carrying her baby in her arms, she sought and found her husband.

She later moved to Arkansas where she was married to William Newberry, and the couple moved to Sheridan, Mo., where Mr. Newberry died.

Coming to Keokuk, she was married to James Loomis, who preceded her in death in 1895.

She came to Davenport about 20 years ago.

She was the mother of ten children, nine boys and one girl. Five of these children survive.
They are Miss Irene Loomis, at home, John Baker of Edina, Mo., Louis Newberry of Lincoln, Neb., Edward Newberry of Kansas City, Kan., and Roderick Loomis of Aurora, Ill.

The remains were removed to the Stapleton funeral home from where the funeral will be held Monday at 8:30 a.m. to St. Mary’s church at 9 a. m. Interment will be in St. Marguerite’s cemetery.