Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 368
MOSES COUCH, one of the pioneers of Muscatine County, Iowa, was born in Reading, Conn., March 26, 1803, and came West among the first pioneers who settled in this locality, of which he became a resident in 1836, and at his death was the oldest resident with the possible exception of Suel Foster, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. In the original records of Bloomington, as an abstract of the first election, held at the house of R. C. Kinney, May 6, 1839, shows, Moses Couch was elected Recorder, receiving twenty-nine of the thirty-nine votes polled. Subsequently he was appointed City Treasurer, but those, however, were not the days when offices were sought for their emoluments. He was also elected to the office of Probate Judge, in which he served with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Couch was the the first person to ornament that part of the city now known as the "Hill" with a fine residence. At that time he had to clear off the brush before he could erect his house, but now some of the most beautiful residences in Muscatine are built thereon. The life of Mr. Couch was not an eventful one. He lived quietly and peacefully with all, a kind friend, an accomodating neighbor and a good citizen. His heart overflowed with sympathy for those in distress or need, and many a poor man has cause to remember him as a benefactor. Cheerful, companionable and hospitable, he had perhaps more friends and fewer enemies than any man in the community. Religiously he was a firm and conscientious, Episcopalian, and politically, he was a stalwart supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

On the 17th day of January, 1830, Mr. Couch was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Plum, daughter of Benona and Deborah ( Tryon ) Plum, natives of Connecticut, a most amiable lady, who came to the wilds of the West to share with her husband the hardships and trials of pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Couch lived together as man and wife for nearly half a century until separated by death. They had no children of their own, but had an adopted son, Edward, who was one of the first to respond to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the 1st Iowa Infantry, and afterward in the 11th Infantry, in which he served with honor. He was mustered in as a private, but rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

The death of Mr. Couch occurred Sept. 23, 1879, and at a special meeting of the Old Settlers Society the following resolutions of respect were passed: "WHEREAS, In the Providence of God and by the laws of human life, Moses Couch, a prominent and beloved member of the band of old settlers, departed this life Sept.23, 1879, at the age of seventy-six years, "Resolved, That we bear testimony that his life of more than forty years among us has not been useless and in vain, but that of kindness, usefulness and industry, in establishing this city and county upon the sure foundation of Christianity and true Republican form of government, and as to his early settlement here, we with gratitude acknowledge his many privations, services, his kindness and benevolence, and to him and Mrs. Couch many sincere, heartfelt thanks are due and hereby offered. "Resolved, That the old settlers be requested to attend the funeral in procession. "Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be handed to the widow and family, and to the city papers for publication".

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