REIFSNYDER, Charles Dewitt Born 1832

RIEFSNYDER, WEBBER, DEACON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 2/5/2013 at 17:41:03

Charles Dewitt Reifsnyder was born in Seneca Falls, New York, June 14, 1832, and had passed his eight-first milestone in life. His boyhood days were spent at his home in Seneca and it was here he gained his early education. On November 11, 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Webber of Sommersershire, England, at Dubuque, Iowa. To this union which was a singularly happy one was born one daughter, Carrie, now Mrs. Carrie Deacon and one son, Thomas, who besides Mrs. Reifsnyder, mourn the death of a husband and father.

Enters Business in Keokuk.

In the year 1860 Mr. Reifsnyder accompanied by his family moved to Keokuk where he opened a meat market remaining in this business but for a short time going to Hannibal, Missouri, where he entered the meat busness, here he remained but for a short period going to Chicago where he emgaged in the construction of the Nelson Morriss packing plant.

His faithful work while connected with this company soon advanced him to superintendent and in this position he served the packing company in a high degree.

After leaving Chicago Mr. Reifsnyder moved back to Iowa locating in Keokuk county. Here he remained until the fall of the year 1869 when he came to this city making this his home ever since.

In Business Forty-Four Years.

Moving to Ottumwa forty-four years ago Mr. Reifsnyder engaged in the retail meat and grocery business at 522 East Main street. In this business he remained until a few years ago when he retired, leaving his son, Thomas in charge.

As a merchant, Ottumwa has lost one of her best and a man who was always striving to help others and he at all times had welfare of this city at heart.

The funeral services were held from the home at 522 East Second street last Friday afternoon conducted by Rev. W.C. Hengen, pastor of the Trinity Episcopal church. Interment at the Ottumwa cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book B, Page 208, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA