Mrs. Catherine Cresswell d. 1891

STEWARD, CRESSWELL

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 21:53:45

CRESSWELL - Mrs. Catherine Cresswell, whose maiden name was Steward, wife of Mathew Cresswell, of Harrisburg township, departed this life at 3:45 a.m., the 18th last., in the 69th year of her age.

Mrs. Cresswell was born and raised in Huntington county, Penn. She came with her husband to Iowa in the year 1844, and located in Harrisburg township, where she completed almost half a century of married life. She was the mother of 11 children - six sons and five daughters - two of which daughters preceded the mother to the better land. She was a member of the Presbyterian church at Bonaparte and was ever faithful in attendance upon the public ordinances of God's house. She was preeminently the "mother of the home," always at her post of duty and vigilant that every care or responsibility belonging to her household duties should be executed to the letter. She was wise in her counsel, generous and kind to her family and neighbors, and thoughtful of the poor and sick; yet she never found time to speak other than kind words to any one. Her life was one of intense industry because of her natural bent and inclination of mind. Her name has long been spoken with the highest degree of respect as a synonym for industry and frugality. Her home has been the happy retreat of many a weary traveler even from her early residence to recent years, and children, neighbors and friends were never more welcome than when calling on "Mother Cresswell." In the midst of her activities rest had overtaken her. Her sickness was of short duration and hence her family and friends where wholly unprepared for the sudden change. None knew her but to revere, respect and love; her memory will always be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her, while her peaceful, con*ding departure will be a lasting comfort to family and friends.

[handwritten on face of obit. "Dec 91"]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am not related and am posting this for those who may find this person in their family history.