TYLEE, Mrs. Rebecca: Died 1905

TYLEE, SMITH, HARE, SHELTON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/11/2016 at 01:31:59

DEATH OF A NONAGENARIAN

The burial of Mrs. Rebecca Tylee in the Purdom Cemetery at Keosauqua, Ia., attracted much attention on account of the great age of the deceased and of the distinction she enjoyed as being one of the original five Daughters of the American Revolution.

Another incident as far as is known and unparalled, is the fact that four generations of the Tylee family sleep in the Purdom cemetery; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tylee, children and grandchildren, also Mr. Tylee's father who, before coming to Keosauqua, was a sailor.

Rebecca Tylee, whose maiden nambe was Smith, was born in New York State, Dec. 26, 1809. Married Edward R. Tylee in 1829, and moved to Keosauqua in 1839. Mr. Tylee died in 1845 leaving a widow and three small children.

In pioneer days Mrs. Tylee was a helpful friend in sickness and trouble. She was a member of the Methodist church for seventy-one years, and was one of the members of the first Methodist class formed in Keosauqua in the Purdom cabin. She was a teacher in the Sunday school for years in the court House, and then in the Methodist church.

She died of pneumonia at Superior, Wisconsin, on March 22, 1905 at the age of 96 yrs. The remains were brought to Keosauqua by her daughter, Mrs. Hare; grandson, Dr. Charles Hare; and grand-daughter, Mrs. Dr. Shelton. The burial was on March 27, 1905.

Austin Smith, Revolutionary soldier, was born in Connecticut, Dec. 20, 1753, and died in Oswego Co., N.Y., Dec. 9, 1846.

The said Austin Smith assisted in establishing American Independence while acting in the capacity of Corporal and Sergeant in Captain Josiah Lacy's Co., Col Philip Bradley's Conn. Regiment.

He enlisted in Captain Jonathan Whitney's Company, 9th Regiment of Connecticut Militia, and marched on Nov. 7, 1777.

Prior to his discharge, he enlisted Jan. 1, 1777 at Stamford, Conn., for three years as a corporal in the company commanded by Captain Josiah Lacey, Col. Philip Bradley's Connecticut Regiment. He was promoted to Sergeant in Nov., 1778, and discharged on Dec. 29, 1779, at Morristown, N.Y. He was wounded in the battle of Monmouth. No other details of service are known.
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Elizabeth Ross Chapter, D.A.R., Ottumwa, recently honored the memory of one of the pioneer women of Keosauqua by placing a bronze tablet on the boulder that marks the grave of Mrs. Rebecca Tylee in Purdom cemetery. The tablet bears the inscription: "A Daughter - Placed by Elizabeth Ross Chapter, D.A.R." On Friday of last week, a delegation of members of Elizabeth Ross Chapter motored to Keosauqua to dedicate the tablet. The Regent, Mrs. D.H. Criley, was in charge of the impressive ceremony, which included scripture reading and prayer by Mrs. F.M. Hunter; followed by a brief history of Mrs. Tylee and her father, Austin Smith. This was read by Mrs. Ora Siberell, chapter historian. Mrs. Cook, who years ago had been closely associated with Mrs. Tylee and her family, was present, and told many interesting incidents which occurred at that time. Mrs. Criley closed the services with a short talk. The party was then entertained by Keosauqua D.A.R.'s at the home of Mrs. Roy Overman. Refreshments were served at prettily appointed group tables. A profusion of garden flowers was used throughout the home. Local D.A.R.'s are Mrs. Caroline H. Roberts, Mrs. J.A. Craig, Mrs. F.M. McClurg, Mrs. J.H. Strickling, and Mrs. Roy Overman, all members of the Elizabeth Ross Chapter. (The forgoing is the history of Mrs. Tylee as ready by Mrs. Siberell)

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 155, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA