Iowa News from the
Fern Chapman Cooper's Plymouth County Scrapbook
Page 1

Fern's Scrapbook & Keepsakes
Plymouth County, Iowa

Surnames: Knewstubb, Alderson, Chapman, Cooper, Kennedy
My Grandmother's first cousin, Fern Chapman Cooper, was a “keeper.”  She
kept scrapbooks for years.  Recently her son and I dug out these
scrapbooks and also photos that she had treasured for many years.  I
share with you now the contents of one of the older scrapbooks.  Hope
these items will help in your ancestry pursuits.  Submitted by Linda
Ziemann, eldest granddaughter of Fern's first cousin, Gladys.

[These first three obits of family members who lived in Wisconsin are
included in the first pages of the scrapbook.....descendants of these
people moved from Wisconsin to Plymouth county, Iowa.]

OBITUARY:
After a lingering illness, caused by cancer of the stomach, Mr. William
Knewstubb, and old and respected resident of this vicinity, died at his
home Thursday morning, January 27. 

The deceased was born at Ravenstonedale, Westmoreland, England, Nov. 15,
1819, where he resided until 1852, when he emigrated to Illinois, living
there seven years and then moving to this county.  He was a faithful
member of the M. E. Church for 18 years, and has gone to meet the reward
that lies at the end of a Christian's race.  He leaves a wife and ten
children who were all at home to minister to his every want and receive
his last words and parting counsel ere he bid adieu to the scenes of
earth.  Funeral services will be conducted at the M. E. Church in this
village Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

DEATH OF MRS. KNEWSTUBB
Mrs. Sarah Knewstubb, wife of the late Wm. Knewstubb, died on the old
homestead, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.D. Sweeney, Sept. 19,
1903, aged 79 years, 10 months and one day.  She had gone to the country
to visit her daughter, and spend a few days on the old farm where she
spent so many years, and where her husband had died, little thinking
that he days would be so few, and that the remaining hours beginning in
pleasure, would be turned into mourning.

The deceased was born at Ravenstonedale, England, Nov. 18, 1823.  Her
maiden name was Sarah Bowsfield, and she was united in marriage to Wm.
Knewstubb, Oct. 2, 1844.  In 1852, she, with her husband and one child,
came to America and settled in Illinois, living there seven years, then
moving to Wisconsin.  The last thirty-six years of her life were spent
in Argyle, Wis., and vicinity.

She became a member of the M.E. Church in 1869, and remained a faithful
and devoted Christian until her death.  She always contributed to the
support of the Gospel, even when for years, through physical
misfortunes, she was unable to hear it preached.  She was of a kindly
disposition, devoted to her own and living in peace with all mankind.

Rev. L. F. Rayfield preached the funeral sermon at the M.E. Church, on
Tuesday, and she was laid to rest in the family lot in the old cemetery.

OBITUARY --- McCONNELL
Mary Ann Knewstubb, daughter of William and Sarah Knewstubb was born
near Scales Mound, Illinois, on January 25, 1855, and died at
Darlington, Wisconsin, on December 17, 1939, at the age of 84 years, 10
months and 22 days.

On September 27, 1874, she was married to William Henry McConnell of
Wiota, Wis., and lived on a farm in that township until 1907, when they
moved to this city, when her husband was elected County Clerk.  She was
preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1924, and one son,
William, who died in infancy.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. N.
W. Bower, Darlington, and Mrs. James Ray, of Lamont; also by five sons,
Dennis, Grover, and Lester of Wiota, Ernest and Robert Earl of
Darlington, and twenty-two grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Also surviving her are two sisters, Mrs. John D. Sweeney of Argyle,
Wis., and Mrs. James Alderson of Creswell, Oregon, and three brothers,
John Knewstubb of Dodgeville, Wis., Thomas Knewstubb of Wiota, and
Robert Knewstubb of Sheldon, Wis.

She was a member of the former Congregational church of this city, the
Wimodaughsis Chapter No. 93, O.E.S. and Woman's Relief Corps.  She was
president of the Ladies' Aid of her church for a number of years and an
officer of the W.R.C.

The funeral was held from the Nelson Funeral Home on Tuesday afternoon,
conducted by the Rev. E. J. Jeffrey, pastor of the M.E. church.  Six
grandsons were casket bearers.

PIONEER SETTLER LAID TO REST
Mrs. Susan Rayburn Died Thursday Evening at Home of Daughter

Death claimed Mrs. Susan Rayburn, a long time resident in this community
[Seney], at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Lancaster, late Thursday
evening following a lingering sickness.  Mrs. Rayburn has been in poor
health for the past two years.  Her advanced age and other complications
was the cause of her death.

Susan Betty Price, daughter of Burwell and Elizabeth Price, was born at
Bloomington, Illinois, on July 17, 1860, and died in LeMars, Iowa, on
Thursday, December 9, [1937] at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John
Lancaster, at the age of 77 years, 4 months, and 22 days.  All her
girlhood days were spent in Bloomington, Ill., where she received her
education in the public schools.

She was united in marriage on September 23, 1885, to Zwingle Rayburn, of
Towanda, Illinois.  Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn came to Iowa on their wedding
trip and selected a farm north of Seney, moving there the following
spring.  After living there for 16 years, they moved to Seney where Mrs.
Rayburn has made her home for the past 36 years.  Her husband preceded
her in death 7 years ago last March.

Mrs. Rayburn became a member of the Methodist church at the age of 13
and has been a faithful worker in that church all her life.  She was a
charter member of the Seney Women's Missionary society and was still a
member at the time of her death.  She was a member of the ladies' aid
society for the past 36 years.

Mrs. Rayburn has always enjoyed a splendid health and spent the greater
part of her life outdoors, until she had a serious sickness two years
ago.  Since then she has been in failing health and in spite of all that
medical skill could do for her, a complication of diseases caused her
death.

She displayed unusual courage and patience throughout her sickness.  She
was a loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor and friend, beloved by
everyone, and always ready to help in time of trouble.  She held a place
in the community that can never be filled by anyone else, and will be
greatly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters, Mrs. John Lancaster of
LeMars, and Mrs. John Daugherty of Seney; one sister Mrs. Etta Denning
of Oaks, N.D., and five grandchildren besides other relatives and a host
of friends.

Rev. M. L. Metcalf of Sloan, Iowa, and Rev. Jenks of Sioux City, Iowa,
conducted the services which were held in the Seney church Sunday
afternoon.  Interment was made in the LeMars cemetery with Mauer's in
charge of the arrangements.

The male quartette, consisting of Wilbur Laux, LeMars, C.W. Reeves,
Frank Becker, and M.J. Lancaster had charge of the singing.  The
pallbearers were Elam Chapman, George Osborne, Jas. Deegan, Jake
Berkenpas, Will Reeves, and John Osborne.  Friends and relatives from a
distance who came to attend the funeral were:  Mrs. Sam Miller, Newton,
Kansas; Henry Baker of Bloomington, Ill.; and daughter Marian, of
Clarion, Iowa; Duff Rayburn, Meckling, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Verne Rayburn,
Mrs. Susan Rayburn and George Almond of Hurley, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs.
Irving McArthur of Sioux City, and Mr. and Mrs. Walker Bushby of Ireton.


OBITUARY MARTHA J. KENNEDY
Martha J. Burkholder Kennedy was born in Ontario, Canada on April 15,
1855, and passed from this life at the Denver General Hospital, Denver,
Colorado, on August 14, 1945, at the age of 90 years and 4 months.
She came to the United States with her family in 1868. The family first
made their home in Missouri. Then in 1871 the moved to Marshalltown,
Iowa. On January 28, 1874 she was united in marriage to William H.
Kennedy. Later they moved into the Seney, Iowa, community and in 1898
joined the Methodist Church in Seney. To this union two sons were born,
Watson David and William Emerson.
Mrs. Kennedy has outlived the rest of her family. She was preceded in
death by her husband, who died February 9, 1909; her son, William
Emerson, May 16, 1920; and Watson David, Dec. 11, 1942. Three
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive: Mrs. Charles Ewin
of LeMars, Mrs. Morton Weld of Sioux City; and Emerson Kennedy of the
U.S. Navy; the great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Mrs. Kennedy is still a member of the Seney Methodist Church and has
been a member of the Eastern Star Chapter of LeMars for 50 years. Mrs.
Kennedy was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and
great-grandmother and was always happy to have her loved ones around her
and to serve them in any way possible. Her kind and loving deeds will be
long remembered by all who knew her.

SHOWING COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Husking Bee Held to Help Out Sick Man

Community spirit was evidenced in a practical manner on Friday when
neighbors gathered at the home of John Penning and held a regular old
fashioned husking bee.  Mr. Penning has been on the sick list for
several months and unable to keep up the work on his farm.  Fifty teams
and eighty huskers invaded the corn field at day break and by two
o'clock had the sixty acres husked and cribbed.  The corn is estimated
at a yield of fifty bushels to the acre.  The ladies of the neighborhood
fed the crew a fine dinner, ninety-five dinners being served.

John and Albert Winkel, of Ashton, cousins of Mr. Penning, came down to
take a hand in the husking bee.

After completing the husking job at the Penning place, fifteen teams
went to the farm of Jake Berkenpas and helped husk his corn, Mr.
Berkenpas having put in a lot of time the past few months helping out on
the Penning place.

Harvey Gasper went out from LeMars and too photographs of the teams and
workers in the corn field.

JOHN PENNING DEAD
Had Been Ill Health For Several Months
Was Well Know Man in Elgin     

J. F. Penning died at his home north of town last Monday night, November
14, 1921, after having been sick about a year.  He leaves to mourn his
loss, his wife, two daughters, Mable and Florence, and one son, Vernon,
his mother, Mrs. E. Penning, of LeMars, five brothers, Ike of
Washington; Lyman of South Dakota; Albert, Henry and William of LeMars,
three sisters, Mrs. Lewis Demaray, of Pipestone, Minn., and Mrs. F. B.
Rees, and Mrs. Emma Penticoss, of South Dakota.  Another sister died
about fifteen years ago.

John Frederick Penning was born near Freeport, Ill., November 28 1880,
coming here with his parents about thirty years ago, living on a farm in
Fredonia township for a few years when they moved near Seney.  He was
married June 10, 1908, to Miss Lula Lancaster.

The funeral was held on Thursday afternoon from the Seney M.E. church
and burial made in the Seney cemetery.  Rev. B. M. Watson, of Galva,
conducting the service.

MRS. RITER DIES     
POPULAR YOUNG WOMAN SUCCUMBS TO INFLUENZA
HAD LIVED HERE ALL HER LIFE
Deceased Was a Member of Pioneer Family of Elgin Township and Was
Prominent in Church and Social Life of that Community

Mrs. Riter, wife of Edward Riter, of Elgin township, died at the city
hospital on Friday following an illness of influenza and pneumonia.

The death of this well known and popular woman is a great blow to her
husband, children and other relatives and many friends.

Mrs. Riter was a daughter of the late Henry Detloff and Mrs. Detloff, of
this city, and spent all her life in Plymouth County.  Dorothea
Wilhelmina Detloff was born on April 23, 1884, on the old home farm in
Elgin township and grew up there receiving her education in the country
schools and the LeMars high school.

She was united in marriage with Edward H. Riter on August 24, 1905, and
they made their home on a farm in Elgin township, where they prospered
and were happy in the work and pleasant surrounding and prominent in the
social life of the community.

Besides her bereaved husband the young mother leaves five children to
mourn her death and miss her loving tender care.  The children are:
Eldon, Dwight, Fred, Pauline and Marjorie.  She also leaves to mourn
their loss, her mother, Mrs. Henry Detloff, of this city, her sisters,
Mrs. Matt Myers, and Mrs. H. R. Dealy, of Sioux City, Mrs. H. Reints and
Mrs Will Henrich, of Seney, Mrs. Same Uthe, of LeMars, and her brothers,
Henry C. Detloff, Edward Detloff and Arthur Detloff, of Elgin township.
One sister, Minnie, preceded her in death.

The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon from the home of Mrs.
Henry Detloff on Eagle street and were attended by a large number of
sorrowing and sympathizing friends.

The services were conducted by Rev. Bertie Watson, of Galva, and Rev. C.
E. Holman, of Seney.  The interment was made in the city cemetery.

Mrs. Riter was naturally cheerful, thoughtful, kind and ever ready to
give her service in any good movement for the benefit of the community.

She became a member of the Methodist church at the age of fourteen and
lived a Christian life and was an active worker in the Seney church and
aid society.  She was a devoted wife, an ideal mother, a splendid
neighbor.  The memory of her life will be an inspiration to those who
knew her.

Beautiful floral offerings were sent by the Struble Ladies aid society,
the Seney Junior League, the Seney Grange, the teachers and scholars of
the Seney school and many friends. 

It was with profound sorrow that the people of Seney and community
received the sad news of her death.

MRS. WILLIAM LANCASTER
Mrs. William Lancaster, a widely known resident of Seney vicinity, died
on Friday at her home following a long and painful illness which she
bore with fortitude and patience.  Her death was due to internal cancer
from which she suffered for several years.

Mrs. Lancaster was a native of England.  Her maiden name was Margaret
Knewstubb and she was born on August 2, 1847, at Kirbystephen,
Lancashire.  When she was a child of 5 years her parents brought her to
America and they soon afterwards settled at Argyle, Wis.  She was united
in marriage at that place with William Lancaster on August 26, 1866.
They came to Plymouth county in 1876 and in 1879 settled near Seney
which has been their home since.

Eleven children were born to their union, four of whom preceded the
mother in death.  Besides the bereaved husband she leaves seven
children, who are James Lancaster of Faulkton, S.D.; Chris of Mitchell,
S.D.; Mrs. Mary Wonser of Unity, S.D.; Mrs. Anna McArthur, Mrs. Ada
Moore, Mrs. Maggie Rees and Mrs. Lulu Penning of Seney.  She also leaves
sixteen grandchildren and one great grandchild and also four brothers
and three sisters, who are: John, William, Thomas, and Robert Knewstubb
of Argyle, Wis,; Mrs. Mary McConnell, Darlington, Wis.; Mrs. Jane
Sweeney of Argyle; and Mrs. Nannie
Alderson, Elgin, Neb.

Mrs. Lancaster was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and a
charger member of the Ladies Aid Society of the church at Seney.  She
was deeply religious and an ardent worker in the church and for all
things pertaining to the good of the community.  She was a devoted wife
and mother, a good neighbor and a staunch friend.  Her long life was
filled with many acts of Christian charity and kindness and she helped
to make the world a better place in which to live and was an influence
for good in her surroundings.

The funeral was held Sunday at Seney, Rev. Bertie Watson, of Galva, a
former Seney pastor, officiating, and was largely attended by old
friends and neighbors.

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel-Dec 19, 1929;
Pioneer Woman Dead-Mrs Albert Muxlow lived here 35 years Has Been in
Poor Health Long Time
Mrs. Muxlow, wife of Albert Muxlow, a resident of Plymouth Co
35 years, died at her home at Merrill-Wernli addition on Saturday
afternoon. She had been failing health for severed years suffering from
internal malady, and during the past three years seldom left her home. Although a victim of
ill-health, she was up and around attending to her household duties,
smiling and confident in spite of continual pain. A week before her death, she
was sitting up and only took to her bed a few days before she died. Mrs.
Albert Muxlow was 69 years of age, her maiden name was Isabel Rowe and was born
in New Diggings, Wisconsin on 2 April 1853. She attended school and grew
to womanhood  in her native place and 27 Nov 1881 was united in marriage
with Albert Muxlow of Shullsburg, Wis. They enjoyed a long and happy
married life and were a most devoted couple. Following their marriage
they farmed five years near Shullsburg. Mr and Mrs. Muxlow came to Le
Mars in 1887 and after they arrived in Plymouth Co, farmed the Kistle
place west of town and then farmed in Preston Twp. In 1900 they moved to
the track of land in Warall addition which has been their home since. Mr
and Mrs. Muxlow had no children of their own bur their home was always
open to numerous nephews and nieces, who loved Mrs. Muxlow as a mother
and was never happier then when surrounded by the young relatives. Mrs.
Muxlow was a member of a large family, many of whom have preceded her in
death.

Besides her husband she leaves to mourn her death, James Rowe of
Shullsburg, Wis, and two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Alderson and Mrs. Mary Ann Hodgson
and a large number of nieces and nephews. She was a good Christian woman, a
homemaker in the highest sense of the word, a loyal friend and neighbor.
She was an attendant of the Methodist church when her health permitted
and was active in the Ladies Aid Society and good works. The funeral
will be held at 2:00 o'clock at the First Methodist church. Rev C H
Seward officiating. Among others relatives from out of town coming to
the funeral are Mr and Mrs. L G Muxlow, DesMoines, Iowa, Mrs. Orilla
Muxlow of Laverne, Minn, Mr and Mrs. George Easton, Robert and Charles
Hodgson, Wessington Springs, SD and Fred Hodgson, Dawson, Minn.
[She died the 16 Dec 1929]

Obituary-LeMars Semi Weekly Sentinel-1907: Mrs James E Rose Was Beloved
by a Large Circle of Friends.

The funeral service of the late Mrs. James Rose was held on Friday at the Methodist church in Merrill and were largely
attended. Rev J Gilbert, pastor of the church, officiated and preached an
eloquent sermon. The remains were brought to the LeMars cemetery for
interment and were followed to the grave by a large cortège. The Merrill
Record pays a just tribute to the virtues of the deceased who was well
known in Plymouth county. The Record says; Mrs. James E Rose died last
Monday morning at her home in this city after an illness lasting
scarcely ten days. The community mourns today with her relatives for she
was a noble soul whose charity and good will knew no bound. Her daily
life was a poem and a sermon, never complaining, always cheerful, kind
hearted and sympathetic. Her own burdens and afflictions were always
secondary to the comfort and happiness of those around her. Her visible
presence is gone but the kindly disposition and Christian character will
live while memory shall last and great world is far better for her
having lived in it. Her Christian principals were no parade before the
world by loud and boisterous words but kind acts and deeds of love that
was for her a warm place in the heart of every one, in the home circle
she was the same joyous good natured Christian woman. Mrs. James Rose,
whose maiden name was Ruth Raw, was the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs.
James Raw, of Shullsburg, WIS. She was born in Shullsburg, December
1855. In November 1886, she came to Merrill, Iowa where she has also
resided. Thirty-two years ago the fourteenth of June she was married to
James E Rose. She leaves a husband, three sisters, and three brothers.
The sisters are Mrs. Albert Muxlow, Mrs. Ralph Hodgson and Mrs. Anthony
Alderson all residing near here in LeMars. The three brothers are Frank
Raw and James Raw, of Darlington, Wis., and Thomas Raw, Dominion City,
Manitoba. No children were born to Mr and Mrs. James Rose. However they
were there to raise and educate John R Burton and his sister Mrs. A.
Lassen, who came to the Rose family at the age of nine and fourteen,
also Fred Hodgson, son of Mr and Mrs. Ralph Hodgson at the age of three.
In religious life Mrs. Rose was zealous, efficient worker since she
first joined the Primitive Methodist church at Wardsville, Wis, when she
was only eighteen years of age. Since coming to Merrill she has labored
faithfully in the Methodist Episcopal church doing valiant service for
the Master and His people.
[She died 18 Feb 1907]

Obituary-LeMars Globe-
Former Resident Buried Here Today -James E Rose was born in Newton,
Lincolnshire, England on Oct 8, 1845, the ninth child of a family of
fifteen. When a young man he came to this country where he worked for a little
over a year in Brooklyn, NY. Feeling a desire to own a home of his own he moved
to Darlington, Wis., in 1870. Soon after this he went to Pug Patch where he
opened a shoe repairing shop. Here he applied his trade for a year. Not
being satisfied he transferred his labors to farm work. In 1873 he
started farming for himself continuing this after his marriage to Ruth
Raw on June 14, 1875. Twelve years later, in 1887, he removed to
Merrill, Ia, where he farmed for several years.
On account of poor health he was obliged to give up farm work and move
to town where he engaged in various occupations. After the death of Mrs.
Rose in 1907, he lived for a time with his niece, Mrs. Andrew Lassen.
When they moved to South Dakota he decided to stay with Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Muxlow.
[He died 22 Dec 1930]

A LIFE LONG RESIDENT
James E. Rose Settled in Merrill in the Eighties
Last rites were held Wednesday afternoon for James E. Rose, whose death
was mentioned in the last issue of the Sentinel.  Services were held in
the Beely undertaking parlors, Rev. F. Earl Burgess, of the Methodist
church, officiating.
James E. Rose was born in Newton, Lincolnshire, England, October 8,
1845, the ninth child of a family of fifteen.
When a young man he came to this country where he worked for a little
over a year in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Feeling a desire to won a home of his own
he moved to Darlington, Wis., in 1870.  Soon after this he went to Bog
Patch where he opened a shoe repairing shop.  Here he tried his trade
for a year.  Not being satisfied he transferred his labors to farm work.
In 1873 he started farming for himself continuing this after his
marriage to Ruth Raw on June 14, 1875.  Twelve years later, in 1887, he
moved to Merrill, Iowa, where he farmed for several years.  On account
of ill health he was obliged to give up farm work and move to town where
he engaged in various occupations.
After the death of Mrs. Rose in 1907, he lived for a time with his
niece, Mrs. Andrew Lassen.  When they moved to South Dakota he decided
to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Muxlow, in LeMars, where he lived for
seventeen years.  About a year after the death of Mrs. Muxlow he went to
live with his nephew, Fred Hodgson, of Dawson, Minn.  Here he made his
home until his death December 22, 1930.
While Mr. and Mrs. Rose had no children of the own, a niece, Mrs. Andrew
Lassen and two nephews John Burton and Fred Hodgson, owe him a debt of
gratitude for a pleasant home and constant and loving care.
“Uncle Jim” as he was familiarly known was a friend to all he came in
contact with and will be deeply missed.  He was a man of keen mind which
continued to the day of his death and keenly interested in the affairs
of the day.
The end came suddenly and he passed away Monday morning of angina
pectoris at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 14 days.

FORMER LE MARS GIRL IS DEAD
MRS. ROBERT HINDE VICTIM OF ATTCK OF PNEUMONIA AT HAXTUN, COLORADO
Word was received Thursday that Mrs. Robert Hinde, of Haxtun, Colo., had
passed away following an attack of pneumonia.  Word had previously been
received that she was much better, but a relapse came.
Rose Wilhelmi, daughter of Mrs. Gertrude Wilhelmi, was born in Plymouth
county near LeMars about twenty-three years ago.  In early womanhood she
was united in marriage to Robert Hinde, of Seney, to which union four
children were born, two of whom preceded their mother in death.  The
last few years Mr. and Mrs. Hinde made their home near Haxtun, Colorado.
The body of Mrs. Hinde was brought back to Seney for the funeral
services, which were held Sunday in Seney and the interment made in the
LeMars cemetery.
Mrs. Hinde leaves to mourn her death her husband, a small son and
daughter, her mother, Mrs. Gertrude Wilhelmi, several sisters and
brothers, Mrs. Henry Reints, Mrs. Harold Hinde, Peter, Frank and Paul,
besides many friends and acquaintances.