Edward Akey 1833 - 1922

AKEY, KINSEY, DOWNING, LEWIS, BONNER, RINABARGER, EBELING

Posted By: Volunteer: Stacey Swierk
Date: 9/12/2008 at 10:37:25

“Date & Newspaper Unknown”

Death of Keosauqua Pioneer

Edward Akey was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 30, 1833, and died at the home of his daughter Mrs. M. F. Kinsey in Keosauqua, Io., March 16, 1922, being almost 89 years of age. He was the eldest of a family of seven children; being servived by one brother, Henry, and one sister Sarah, who live near Leando. The family moved to Van Buren County, Iowa, in the rough pioneer days of the early Forties and the death of his father, soon after, thrust upon an immature lad responsibilities which developed in him traits of self-reliance, which were to serve him well in all later experiences.

In 1858 he attached himself to the Rose expedition going west-ward to California where promises of easy fortune awaited them. But while encamped on the Colorado River west of Albuquerque, N.M., they were ambushed by a party of Mojava Indians, their property plundered, some of their party killed and others severely wounded. By a great effort, they succeeded in returning to Albuquerque and the trip to California was never completed. After spending two years in the western states, Mr. Akey returned to Keosauqua where he married Angenoria Downing, Feb. 8, 1862. With the exception of a short time in Illinois. The balance of his life was spent in Van Buren County. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Akey, the eldest dying in infancy. The remaining ones are: Lee and Frank Akey, Montrose, Colo.; Mrs. Florence Lewis, Larned, Kan.; Mrs. Mate Bonner, Mrs. Jennie Kinsey, Mrs. Sadie Rinabarger, Mrs. Grace Kinsey and Ed Akey, all of Keosauqua; Mrs. Louie Ebeling, Arbela, Mo. Twenty-three grand-children and two great-grand-children are among the bereaved.

Following the death of Mrs. Akey in 1901, Mr. Akey had resided with his children. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of rugged, energetic type, friendly of disposition, a great reader, with a well informed mind. His closing days were marked by a spirit of cheerfulness and patience always considering others before himself.

We wish to express our appreciation for the assistance and kindness rendered us during the sickness and death of our father, also for the beautiful floral offerings.
The Children

[Photocopy of this obit is located on page 249 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA]