MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 276
submitted by Shirley Plumb, Sept. 24, 2007

OLD SETTLERS GONE

Death of Mrs. Stephen L Foss, of Fruitland, and Mrs. Rosana Ketcham, of Chicago.
M ? 8 , 1890 (hand written)

MRS. S. L. FOSS

Last night at one o’clock the spirit of that venerable and good Christian mother in Israel, Mrs. Sarah Foss, wife of Stephen L. Foss, winged its flight to the great beyond. For over a year past, she had been ailing, her debilities developing into pneumonia, which was the cause of the death. None knew Mrs. Foss but to love and esteem her. She was her companion of over a half century, who still survives her, came to Muscatine in the early forties. Her husband, Stephen L. Foss came here in about 1842, by way of the canals and lake to Chicago and then by stage across to Iowa and Muscatine. A year later Mrs. Foss and son followed and have resided here every since, being respected, admired and beloved by all who met her. She was born in Townsend, Massachusetts, and was aged 81 years, 2 months and 6 days, her husband being a few years her senior. In 1844 and 1846 Mr. Foss was President of the Board of Trustees (or Mayor) of Bloomington, now Muscatine. Mrs. Foss became a member of the M. E. church a few years after arriving in Muscatine, the church at that time occupying the ground of the JOURNAL’S present site. She has ever since been a faithful and consistent member.

As is above stated her husband still survives her, as does also her only son, Geo. Foss of Muscatine Island. Her brother, Mr. Jos. Bennett, of this city, and Mrs. James Humphreys, a sister of Ft. Dodge, and Mrs. Geo. F?s?, and two grand children of this county, are left to mourn, besides a large circle of friends.

The funeral is appointed for to-morrow afternoon at two o’clock from the lower Island M. E. church, the services being conducted by Rev. G. Byrkit. The interment will be made at the Island cemetery.

MRS. ROSANA KETCHAM

A telegram was received this morning by C. F. Cadle from Chicago, announcing the death of Mrs. Rosana Ketchman, wife of W. Ketcham, a former boot and shoe merchant of Muscatine, but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. K. came to Muscatine in about 1850 and resided here for a number of years. They were well and favorably known here and were members of the First Baptist church. Mr. K. died some years ago and his widow has since resided with her sons in Chicago. She was something over 78 years of age and will be kindly remembered by the old settlers of this city.

Three sons and a daughter survive her, they beings Messrs. J. P., W. P. and Samuel, of Chicago, and Mrs. Mary Carmichael, of Grinnell.

The remains will be brought here for interment in the family lot next Monday morning, the services being held at the church at 10 o’clock, conducted by Rev. S. E. Wilcox.

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