MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 328
submitted by Neal Carter, Sept. 28, 2007

SETTLER PASSES AWAY
Sep. 2, 1891 (hand written)

The remorseless scythe of Time has cut down one of the few remaining old settlers who could relate the incidents of the first days of Muscatine’s settlement, in the person of JOHN SEILER, Sr., who died yesterday morning at his unpretentious home on West Sixth street, which has been his constant habitation for nearly two score years.

The rugged old gentleman had been enjoying remarkably good health until last autumn, when he was seized with a strong attack of the grippe, from which he was destined never to fully recover. At times he felt stronger and ventured out, but his familiar figure was wasted and his friends saw that his term of existence would shortly close. In recent weeks he has been confined to the house, and not until then did he realize that the end was drawing nigh. He entered the last reposeful slumber at 6:30 o’clock yesterday morning while surrounded by his wife and the faithful watchers of the Odd Fellows’ society.

Deceased was born at Harrisburg, Pa., August 18, 1812. In early youth he determined to join the advance guard of civilization that was to take possession of the virgin soil of the west and came to Iowa in her territorial days, locating in Muscatine when not more than a half dozen crude buildings marked its site.

He was a shoemaker and followed his trade for several years. Later he was appointed city sexton and many a mortal was laid beneath the sod by him during the time cholera raged. He continued in the town’s employ as sexton until within the past year when the cemetery went under new control and he was considered unable to attend the to duties on account of his growing infirmities.

He lost his first wife 28 years ago, after their union had been blessed by six children. In later years he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Frutig who survives.

Deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The surviving children are Mrs. Ella Allbright, of Portsmouth, Ore., John, jr., Charles and Mrs. Maggie Eichoff, of this city, and Daniel and Mrs. Emma Owens, of Des Moines.

The funeral will be in charge of Muscatine Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F. and is appointed to take place Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. S. H. Parvin will preach the funeral sermon.

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