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

LOUISA C. VAIL

At her home on Muscatine Island, near Fruitland, Sunday, March 23, 1890, at 10 a.m., of heart failure, LOUISA C., widow of the late Jonathan M. Vail, aged 73 years, 1 month and 17 days, after an illness of five weeks.

Deceased came to Muscatine with her husband in 1855, and has been identified in church and society with the history of Muscatine Island from its wild prairie state to its present populous condition of cultivated farms, famous gardens and homes of beauty and refinement. Presiding over one of the most attractive and hospitable of these homes, from the strength and grace of her Christian character, and earnest sympathy with the religious, social and industrial development of her Island surroundings, she has been for 35 years one of the most interesting, as well as one of the most influential and benevolent factors in that Island life.

Deceased was a native of Florida, Orange Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of Dr. Hiram Chapman. In 1844 she united in marriage with Jonathan M. Vail. There were born of this union six children, of whom four are still living—Mrs. E. N. Cross, of the Island, Jas A., of Fullerton, Cal., and C. B. and J. H. Vail, of the Island, the latter residing with his mother. William, the eldest, entered the army and was taken prisoner at a battle at Atlanta, and died in Florence Prison South Carolina, Feb. 5, 1865, after being a prisoner nine months. He belonged to the 8th Iowa cavalry. The father died three years ago. The funeral took place yesterday at 10 a.m. from the late residence, Rev. S. H. Parvin officiating.

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