REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE
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MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF | |
Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 247
submitted by Charlene Nichols Hixon, Aug. 26, 2007
A GOOD MAN GONE.
Died Mar 11th 1888 (handwritten)Abel F. Adams is dead! It seems almost incredible. He that had been a prominent figure for more than a quarter of a century in Muscatine business circles, in politics and in church relations, is no more – cut down in apparent good health and in the midst of the active duties of his various relations in life.
This community was illy prepared to hear the news which was spread from mouth to mouth yesterday afternoon that Mr. Adams’ physicians had given him up, followed as it was soon after by the sadder intelligence that he had died at 5 o’clock. It was known that he was ill and it was supposed that he was suffering from a severe cold, but it was hoped that his vigorous constitution would throw off the disease and that he would soon again be seen in his wonted places. But, s brittle is the thread of life, his fate was otherwise; the disease was more subtile and intractable, and the strong man succumbed to the ultimate fate of all.
Abel F. Adams was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., Nov. 30, 1827, and was therefore in his 61st year at the time of his death. He was married in Columbiana county, O., in 1850, to Susena Wiley, who survives him. He removed with his family to Muscatine in 1854, arriving here on the 13th of November that year. Mr. Adams went into the blacksmithing business the next spring, which he followed in its various departments till his death, though for many years past he had been at the head of the firm of Adams & Wiles, extensive manufacturers of plows, etc.
The deceased was frequently called by his fellow-citizens to fill offices of trust and honor, having served as street commissioner, city treasurer and councilman at different times, being at the time of his death one of the aldermen from the Third Ward. He filled the office of city treasurer in 1859-60 and of alderman in 1871-2. In all these capacities, he was faithful and conciencious in the discharge of duty.
We have not the data of his connection with the Methodist church but if we mistake not, he was a member when he came here In this society he was for many years a class leader and a steward and at all times a faithful and exemplary member, upon whom the pastor could rely for counsel and encouragement and all could depend for fraternal help. He seemed to realize the saying of the Psalmist, who declared he would rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness, and for a number of years acted as usher at the First M. E. Church, in which capacity many can testify to his kind-hearted offices. He was assiduous in these duties during the protracted services now in progress to the very day on which his last sickness began, Friday, the 2d inst. On that day he was counseling with a brother in the church as to the best means to secure the attendance of those in whose spiritual welfare he felt an interest, and especially some who had been backsliders for many years. Of course, with such a life his end was peaceful except for the severe physical suffering which h e endured.
The fatal disease was cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, from which his sufferings were intense.
Mr. Adams was a member, of the V. A. S., in which he had a life insurance policy of $2,000.
The deceased leaves a widow and five children, all grown up – three sons and two daughters. One of the latter, Mrs. Fritchman, resides at Whittier, Cal. The time of the funeral will not be fixed till it is ascertained whether she can attend.
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