Phebe Moore

MOORE, MEEK, BOYER

Posted By: Jean Wenke, volunteer
Date: 2/27/2009 at 14:25:13

Among the pioneers of this section of Iowa, was a man, Judge William Meek, who already has passed some time as a pioneer settler in Michigan, and who after looking over the ground in Keosauqua, concluded to make his home in Bonaparte. Here he embarked in business as a manufacturer, building flouring and cloth mills and having much to do with the active life of the town and indeed, of the county, for many years.

Judge and Mrs. Meek left a considerable family, one among the sons being Isaiah, whose family included six children. Phoebe L., one of his daughters, was born in Bonaparte, May 27, 1849 and grew to womanhood here. She was regarded as an unusually tralented person in more than one regard, as a long-time friend informed me, being an artist with her brush, of decided merit; a musician of accomplishment, and having the gift of poetic expression.

She was married to John S. Moore at Bonaparte, May 5th, 1876. Mr. And Mrs. Moore have made their home part of the more than 38 years of their wedded life in Keokuk, and part here. For several years they hae lived here nearly or quite altogether. She became a member of the Christian church in Keokuk while living in that city. And she was a member of Elmira lodge, O.E.S. Of Keokuk.

Mrs. Moore is survived by her husband and by all the brothers and sisters. These are Kirk L., and Byron F. Meek of this place; Hugh H. Meek of Des Moines; Mrs. Nancy Boyer of Bonaparte and Mrs. Ella M. Boyer of Keokuk.

On Thanksgiving Day Mrs. Moore took dinner with relatives and walked home. Going upstairs she made some change in her garments and came down again. Directly thereafter she spoke of feeling ill, and went upstairs again, this time lying down. She grew rapidly worse. A doctor was summoned and members of her family were sent word too. The end, as it transpired, was very close at hand. She breathed her last at about 7 o'clock, having been sick only about 2 hours. Our friend's age was 68 years, 6 months and 2 days.

From Dorothy Watson's scrapbook, Bonaparte, Iowa Library