Levenia Backous Duesbury (1874-1965)

DUESBURY, BACKOUS, DAVIS, LINK, CUMMINGS, CHEVILLE

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 5/29/2005 at 11:00:44

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa November 18, 1965, page 1. "LEVENIA DUESBURY - Levenia Backous, daughter of George and Elizabeth Backous, was born in Yorkshire, England on January 23, 1874 and departed this life on November 6, 1965, at the age of 91 years and 10 months. At the age of 11, she accompanied her parents to America. In July, 1885, they settled on a farm near the Story County line in Iowa. When she was 21, she returned with an uncle to England and spent a year visiting relatives. On February 13, 1898 she was united in marriage to Thomas Duesbury and to this union five children were born: William, Henry, Elizabeth (Mrs. Loran Davis), Eva (Mrs. Albert Link Jr.), and Minnie (Mrs. Howard Cummings). With the exception of 3 years they lived on the family farm near Collins, Iowa, until the death of her husband and father. In 1934, Mrs. Duesbury, came to make her home with her daughter, Eva and husband, Albert. This continued to be her home for 31 years. The last 6 years she had been confined to her bed and cared for by her daughters. Mrs. Duesbury was preceded in death by her husband in 1928 and her son, William in 1959. She is survived by one son, three daughters, one sister, Mrs. Charlotte Cheville, of State Center, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, also two daughters-in-law, and three sons-in-law and many, many friends. Mrs. Duesbury has been a member of the Peoria Methodist Church since its dedication and before that attended Sunday School in the schoolhouse. She was a charter member of the Peoria Women's Society of Christian Service. As long as health permitted, she attended the church service regularly. Her joy in those services were an inspiration to others. After she could no longer attend the church services, she maintained an active interest in the affairs of the church. Funeral services were conducted from the Peoria Methodist Church, Monday afternoon, November 8th at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Harold Fay of Victor, Iowa officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs. Basil Caple. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Harper White and Mrs. Dwayne Brown. Casket bearers were Dwayne Brown, Ralph Link, Richard Green, Ralph Swalwell, Raymond Link and Harper White. Interment was by her husband in the beautiful Peoria Cemetery near Maxwell. CARD OF THANKS - We wish to "Thank" our neighbors, friends and relatives for the many expressions of love and sympathy during the lengthy illness and death of our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Levenia Duesbury. Also for the many floral tributes and memorials. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated. Signed - The Levenia Duesbury family."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa. POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP., #0178, Geneal * F 627 .P7 C4 V.6, Peoria Cemetery, page 490. DUESBURY Thomas 1865 - 1928; Levenia 1874 - 1965