Iowa
Old Press
Oskaloosa Herald
Oskaloosa, Mahaska co. Iowa
January, 1910
OSWANDEL -- Catherine (Butler) Oswandel was born
in Germany, October 30, 1836, and died of pneumonia at her home
in Scott Township, January 14, 1910. Deceased came with her
parents to this country in 1852 spending twenty-six days in
crossing the Atlantic. They stopped in Ohio six months, thence
they came to Lee County, Iowa, where they remained until the
spring of 1853 when they came to Mahaska County and located west
of Oskaloosa. She was the third child of a family of nine; her
father, mother, one sister and two brothers have preceded her to
the great beyond. Her remaining brother and sisters are Henry
Butler, Leighton, Iowa; Mrs. Jacob Baily, Orange, California;
Mrs. Daniel Neuenschwander, Olympia, Washington; Mrs. Lizzie
Hower, Creston, Iowa; and Mrs. Peter Herstein, Culsom, Illinois.
Deceased was married on April 15, 1860 to Frederick Oswandel. To
this union was born nine children, eight of whom are living and
were with the husband and father at her beside during her last
illness of ten short days. Her's has been a life of usefulness, a
life of sacrifice. During the harvest of 1875, her husband was
thrown from his seat on a reaper over into the sickle and his
right arm was severed and also the thumb from his left hand. Thus
fell upon her the principal support and care of the family of
small children. No sacrifice seemed too great for her to give; no
mountain of difficulties was so high but she could mount to its
summit. Her long hours of toil and sacrifice have been crowned
with reward. "Her children rise up and call her
blessed." Her delight was to see others happy and to make
them happy. To all the children of the neighborhood she was know
as Grandma and she always had something to make their hearts glad
whenever they called to see her. She was converted early in life
and joined the Presbyterian church of which she was a member
until her death. And although 73 years old, she was an active
member of the Ladies' Aid and attended most of their meetings.
The members of her immediate family, aside from the husband are:
W.H. Oswandel, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. W. H. Barens, Litchfield,
Nebraska; Mrs. J.J. Else, Hazard, Nebraska; George, Frank,
Charlie, Harry and Mrs. A.B. Tandy, all of this county. The
funeral was held from Scott Union church, Sunday, January 16,
conducted by Rev. McFerran of Oskaloosa. The floral offerings
from friends and neighbors were beautiful and the casket was
covered with flowers such as she always admired and had about her
during life. She was followed to her last resting place by a
large company of sorrowing relatives and friends and she was laid
away in a beautiful spot in the Butler Cemetery under the shade
of an evergreen which she herself had planted years ago. One more
home is wrapped in sorrow. One more chair, a vacant seat. Hushed
the voice that would always greet us. And to us was music sweet.
One more earthly tie is severed. One more race is run. One more
link in the chain up yonder. One more crown is won.
[transcribed by J.D.P., February 2005]