COOLIDGE, Sarah Virginia (CRESAP) 1851-1936

COOLIDGE, CRESAP, MEEK, KLING, RENNER

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 8/24/2014 at 15:56:53

Mrs. Sarah Coolidge

Sarah Virginia Cresap, daughter of Michael and Sarah Ann Cresap, was born June 17, 1851, in Petersburg, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania and died at her home in Bonaparte, Iowa, April 14, aged 84 years, 9 months and 27 days.

In 1856 she came by steamer, via the Ohio River to St. Louis, and then up the Mississippi River to Keokuk, Iowa, then by wagon to Bonaparte. She spent the remainder of her life in Bonaparte except a short period she spent in Shelbyville, Mo., where she attended the seminary.

She was one of twelve children, all of whom have passed away except Mrs. Margaret Meek.

On Jan. 29, 1871 she was married to Charles H. Coolidge, and to this union seven children were born. They are: William Clarence of Bonaparte; Louie Layton and Merrill, deceased; Corrine Ethel Kling of Des Moines; Cleve Cresap of Keosauqua; Arlie Cecil Renner of Yankton, S. D.; and George LaRue of Ellsinore, Mo.

She was a real pioneer and could tell many interesting things about the early history of the town, such as the steamers on the river, and the excitement caused by the coming of the railroad. At one time she lived in a log cabin on the Robert Burnett farm northeast of town.

Left to mourn her passing are the five children mention above: one grandchild, Virginia Ann Renner: one sister, Mrs. Margaret Meek of Cedar Rapids, Ia.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Bonaparte Presbyterian Church, with Rev. R. G. Alexander officiating. Burial was made in Bonaparte cemetery.

**Handwritten on the top “Keo Rep 7 May 1936”

Source: Van Buren County Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 66, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA