Rosetta (Corwin) Simmons (1836-1919)

CORWIN, SIMMONS, KELLEY, EASTWOOD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/2/2016 at 20:42:18

From Nevada Representative July 3, 1919 (page 5)

OBITUARY

Mrs. ROSETTA C. SIMMONS

Mrs. Rosetta Corwin Simmons was born near Ypsilanti, Wayne county, Mich., Feb. 13, 1836. At the age of 17 in 1853 she married Cyrus Simmons who had come to Michigan from Southern Ohio, where he had spent his youth. For two years they lived in the neighborhood of Niles, Mich., and in 1856 they came to Iowa and settled in Story county. The first winter was spent in Ontario while Mr. Simmons erected the log house which was to be their first home south of Ames, although there was no Ames here at that time. In the spring they moved to the homestead where Mrs. Simmons has since resided an uninterrupted period of 65 years. There are very few parallels in Story county to this record of continuous residence in on place, or in Iowa for that matter.

Three children were born to this pioneer family, but two died in early infancy. One, Mrs. Albert Kelley lives on the old homestead and with her Mrs. Simmons has made her home during the last years of her long life.

Mrs. George P. Eastwood of Morrill, Neb., came to the home of Mrs. Simmons as an orphan in her early childhood and there through the years shared the wealth of a mother's love.

Mr. Simmons died 41 years ago, leaving the widow to carry on the work of the farm which he had purchased when first coming to Iowa.

Mrs. Simmons joined the Congregational church in Ames soon after its organization and for many years took an active part in its interests but lately age and the infirmities attendant thereto have prevented active participation in any social activities.

Those who were in attendance from a distance were Mrs. Gertha Hull, Plattsmouth, Neb.; Miss Rosette Simmons, Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. Sarah French, Lohrville, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. E. G. French, Nevada, Ia.; Mrs. Clara Pitch, John and Roy Pitch and Mrs. Valentine Newhouse of Fernald.