Robert Isherwood

ISHERWOOD

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 9/7/2014 at 09:39:09

Robert Isherwood

The funeral of Capt Bob Isherwood, whose death occurred at his home at 10 o’clock Sunday night. Was held there at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon, and largely attended. The boatyards were shut down and the town turned out. The flags were half masted in St. Louis and other places along the river, and there were general expressions of sorrow at the death of the river veteran.

Robert Isherwood born in Maryland in 1835 but till he was 19 years of age he lived at Brownsville Pa. At 19 he shipped on the Ohio river steamer, A. G. Mason as carpenter and came with her the whole round trip to St. Paul, and for two years ran with her between St. Louis and that city. Subsequently he worked as operator on the St. Louis levee. He went on the Canada of the Northern Line, as carpenter, Thence he rose to the place of mate, remaining on the different boats of the line for 13 years, and later became a captain, and commanding the Petrol, the Savannah and the Minnesota.

In 18 he went to work with the Diamond Jo Line, and he stayed in that company’s employ till his death. With the exception of the seasons of 18 and 18 when he was first at Sioux city, as master in command of the Sidney, but he also walked the deck of the Diamond Jo and the Tidal wave. He was one of the Diamond Jo’s most trusted men.

He was married at Le Claire about 1864, to Miss Jennie Henthora. She survives him with two children, Miss Geneva, principal at McGregor, Ia. And Charles, at home, learning the trade of the river, as his father did. A son and daughter are dead. The officials of the Diamond Jo Line attended the Funeral and showed their respect in every way, as well as their regret for Capt. Isherwoods death.

Contributed by Sue Rekkas

Source: Davenport Democrat, Davenport, Ia., 15 Feb 1898.