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Elizabeth Reid
Mrs. John Clark
Monmouth—May 26—Funeral services for Mrs. J. C. Clark were held in the home Thursday afternoon, the Rev. F. E. Mastin of the M.E. church officiating. Songs were sung by Mrs. Lee Allen and Mrs. R. C. Best, with Mrs. S. A. Orris, accompanist. Burial was in Madison cemetery, near Center Junction.
Elizabeth N. Reid, daughter of William and Nancy Paul Reid, was born June 28, 1864 in Ireland and died in Monmouth, May 22. With her brother John, she came to America in 1881, and for a time, made her home with relatives in Jones county Iowa.
November 27, 1886, she was united in marriage with John Calhoune Clark of Center Junction, and to this union twelve children were born, ten of whom survive, six daughters, Mrs. Mae Hopkins of Onslow, Mrs. Hazel Work of Washington, D.C., Mrs. Alice Sawyer of Monticello, Mrs. Cornelia Bradshaw of Bainbridge, Ohio and Sadie and Mildred at home; four sons, John of Wheatland, Howard of Onslow, and David and George at home. Two boys Joseph and Fred, died in infancy. Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. James Eckler of Dubuque and two brothers, George Reid of Onslow and John Reid of Bozeman, Mont. Another brother, Will Reid died one year ago in Grand Junction. There are also ten grandchildren, a half brother and four half sisters live in Ireland.
When living in Center Junction, Mrs. Clark became a member of the Presbyterian church.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Emma Caroline Rettig
Mrs. Ambuehl Dies Monday; Funeral Services Held Thursday
Mrs. George Ambuehl died at her home on West First street Monday, May20, following an illness brought on by infirmities of old age. Funeral services will be held from the Goettsch Funeral home to the Evangelical and Reformed church this afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Andrew Mast, pastor of the church, will officiate at the funeral and at the interment of Oakwood cemetery.
Mrs. Ambuehl, a native of Bucyrus, Ohio, was born Feb. 14, 1860. She was a daughter of the Rev. George and Katherine Pfeiffer Rettig. She came to Iowa with her father's family and settled in Dubuque when she was two years of age. The family lived there until they came to Monticello in 1870. Rev. Rettig was the organizer of the Reformed church of Monticello.
The marriage of George Ambuehl and Emma Caroline Rettig occurred Dec. 6, 1883. It was performed by Rev.Wittenwiler, at that time pastor of the Reformed church of Monticello. The family home was made on Bowen's Prairie, east of Monticello, until 1903 when Mr. and Mrs. Ambuehl removed to their farm near Monticello. They became the parents of one daughter, Katherine, who is now Mrs. Charles Bridges, a resident of Colorado Springs. Mr. Ambuehl died July 18, 1943.
In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Ambuehl is survived by a grandson, George Ambuehl Bridges, of Denver Colo.; three sisters, Mrs. W. F. Hintz, Monticello, Mrs. Edith Schemmel and Miss Minnie Rettig of Denver, Colo.; and five brothers; Max Rettig, Denver, Colo.; Paul Rettig, Harlan; August Rettig, Chicago, Ill.; Ed Rettig, Kansas City, Mo.; Charles Rettig, Killway, N. Y.
Mrs. Ambuehl was a lifelong member of the Evangelical and Reformed church and during her active years took great interest in the activities of the church. As a young woman she attended the Monticello public schools prior to her marriage.
Submitted by:Lloyd Raeg
L. Rice
Resident of Bowen's Prairie 29 Years
We have not been able to obtain much information concerning Mr. L. Rice, whose death, at his home on Bowen's Prairie, we announced last week. He was 72 years old at this death, and had been a resident of Bowen's Prairie 29 years, having removed there from Dubuque in 1851. He was a school teacher for several years, and a man of considerable general intelligence. Besides being a consistent member of the Methodist church, he was an excellent neighbor and citizen. By a long life of industry and frugality he had acquired a competence. He had been married twice. By his first marriage he had four children, by his second two. His second wife survives him. . . .
Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, December 23, 1880, page 3
John F. Riches
May 27, 1947—July 19, 1997
John F. Riches, 50, of Onslow, Iowa, died Saturday, July 19, 1997 at his home in Onslow after a short illness.
John was born May 27, 1947 at Anamosa, the son of John and Lena Thompson Riches. He attended Midland school at Wyoming where he graduated in 1966. He lived all his life in the Wyoming and Onslow area.
John served two tours of duty with the Army in the Vietnam War.
On June 19, 1970 John married Gaye Baker at Onslow. John and Gaye have lived all their married life around Onslow. He worked at Wears, Inc., in Monticello and McKinstry's in Wyoming.
John was a board member and volunteer for many years at Jones County Central Park and a longtime Onslow Fire Department Volunteer. His many interests included camping, Indian history, wood working and wildlife.
He is survived by his wife Gaye; one son Christopher and daughter Kimberly at home, daughters Renee (Mrs. Todd) Elder of Cedar Rapids and Theresa (Mrs. Daniel) Otten of Cedar Falls; son David Riches of Monticello; two grandchildren; his mother Lena Riches of Onslow; and two sisters Donna (Mrs. John) Woodward of Center Junction, and Marilyn (Mrs. Richard) Schmidt of Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his father.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22 at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming. Burial was in the Clay Cemetery near Onslow. The Rev. Paul Skelley officiated. Military graveside services were conducted by the American Legion Wyoming Post #259 of Wyoming. Friends called from 3:30–8:00 p.m. Monday at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming. Casket bearers were Keith Rowley, Scott Grimm, David Dunkel, Eric Fagan, Tyler Sievers and Jeff Mull.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Mary Catherine Richtstine Farnham
16 August 1843—13 October 1925
Mary Catherine Richtstine was born in Butler County Ohio, August 16, 1843, and died at her home in Morley, Iowa, October 13, 1925. She came with her parents to Iowa when 1 year old and settled in Linn County near the town of Marion. After the death of her father, her widowed mother settled on a farm in the neighborhood of Walnut Grove. Left fatherless when 7 years old and being next to the oldest child, she experienced the trials and privations of pioneer life. She was married to Hiram Putnam Farnham of Andover, Mass., January 22, 1863, to which union were born six children, David A. who died in 1899 at the age of 35 years, James O. now residing near Morley, Myrtle E. now Mrs. H. D. Miller of Cedar Rapids, Mamie Ella who died at the age of 6 years, Barbara M. now Mrs. Sylvester Miller of Morley, and Esther A. now Mrs. D. J. Boots of Elk River, Minnesota. The husband and father departed this life December 25, 1915 and since that time she has very courageously kept up the home alone and greatly enjoyed the company of the children and grandchildren and her many friends in her own home. It was a characteristic of her life that she was always giving her time and strength for the benefit of others and was never so happy as when so doing, being solicitous for the comfort of those who were with her even in her last conscious moments. She, with her husband, united with the Methodist Episcopal church in their early-married life. For many years she was the teacher of the children's class in the Sunday School which work she continued till failing strength compelled her to give it up, although she never lost her interest and enjoyed attending the services when it was possible. She leaves a brother, J. G. Richtstine of Buckingham; two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Byerly Coffits of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Jane Tallman Long of Harlan, Iowa, two half brothers, J. W. Kramar of Redlands, California, who visited her just two weeks ago, D. A Kramar of Velva, N. Dakota, and one half sister Mrs. Etta Grauel of Avoca, Iowa. Also 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren besides other relatives and numerous friends.
Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church in Morley, Thursday, October 15, 1925. Burial was in the Center cemetery. The pallbearers were W.E. Tallman, Stacy Miller, Cyrus Lamb, H.L. Smith, R. H. Domer and Clifford Mille.
Submitted by: Dave Bock
Gerd Rickels
Born 2 December 1850
Gerd Rickels died on Sunday morning at his home in Scotch Grove township. He was born in Manx, (Marx) Germany, on December 2nd 1850, and came to America in 1866, living for a time in Allegany-City, Pennsylvania. In 1868 he came to Jones county and settled in Scotch Grove township, where he has since resided. In 1878 he married Margaret Bohlken, who survives him. Ten children were born to them, all of whom were at his bedside when the end came. Besides his widow, he is survived by his four sons and six daughters. Rev. John Rickels of the German Lutheran church of Rockwell City, Carl Rickels, of Pomeroy, Mrs. George Altman, Mrs Gideon Hughes, Mrs. Willard Himebaugh, William, Henry, Emma, Lottie, and Delia who are at home. Mr. Rickels was an honest industrious citizen, and a kind father and neighbor. The funeral was held on Friday at the home of the deceased.
Submitted by: Steve Hanken
Source: Monticello Express, June 15, 1905.
Johanna (Rickels) Ambuehl
4 December 1893 - 29 November 1987
Funeral services for Johanna (Lizzie) Ambuehl, 93, of Monticello were to have held today, Wednesday, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Monticello with the Rev. Robert E. Slade officiating. Burial was to be in the church cemetery.
She died Sunday at the Senior Home in Monticello following an extended illness.
She was born Dec. 4. 1893 in Wayne Township, the daughter of Gerd and Talke Katherine Tobiason Rickels. She received her education in the rural schools of Wayne Township.
On Dec. 10, 1913 she married Oscar Ambuehl and the couple farmed for several years. They later moved to Monticello where they operated Oscar's Inn. She also worked at the Button Factory and did housework.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Laura Ambuehl of Monticello; a granddaughter, Joanne Schenck of Monticello; two great-grandchildren ; and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, a daughter, one grandson, four brothers and four sisters.
Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello was in charge of arrangements.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg
Altien Gertrude Ricklefs Siebels
Born 07 Dec 1835 Leerhafe, Hanover, Germany
Died 17 Feb 1920 Monticello, Jones Co, Iowa
Mrs. J.A. Seibels died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna E. Gerdes last Tuesday morning at 8:30 o'clock. She had been ill since last Thursday when she became afflicted with an attack of influenza. Up to that time, however, her health had been reasonable good for a woman of her years.
Althien Gertrude Seibles (nee Ricklefs) was a daughter of the late Rickel and Anna Ricklefs, and she was born in Leerhave, Province of Hanover, Germany, November 7, 1835. She was married to John A. Siebles by Rev. Giterman at Leerhave, Germany, February 9, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Siebles and their four oldest children emigrated to the United States, April 1, 1872 and settled on a farm in Wayne township.
There were seven children born to this union viz: Carl W. Siebles of Wayne township; Mrs. Anna E. Gerdes and August Siebles of Monticello and John Siebles of Hutchison, Kansas. Mrs. Carl Reuter, another daughter died in 1906. In addition to these six children, who survive their mother, Mrs. Siebles is survived by twenty-eight grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Mr. Siebles died March 1, 1910. After Mr. Siebles' death Mrs. Siebles made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Anna E. Gerdes, on a farm in Cass township for four years, and then removed with her to Monticello, where she lived for six years.
The funeral services will be held at the home of Mrs. Anna E. Gerdes in Monticello, Saturday morning, February 21st. at eleven o'clock. Thereafter services will be held at the Wayne Lutheran church. These services will be conducted by the pastor of that church, Rev. Willms. Burial will be had on the family lot in the Wayne Center cemetery.
Submitted by: Sharon Brodersen Lindbloom
Lester H. Ricklefs
2 January 1925—9 June 1980
LESTER H. RICKLEFS, 55, of Anamosa died at University Hospitals in Iowa City Monday, June 9, 1980, following a long illness.
Born Jan. 2, 1925, near Anamosa, he was married to Eloise Husmann on June 3, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church, Monticello. He was a building contractor in Anamosa for more than 30 years. He was active on the Fawn Creek Country Club board, the Anamosa Development Corp., Izaak Walton League, the Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce, and in the Boy Scouts of America programs in Anamosa and in Eastern Iowa. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Ronald, Douglas and Daniel, and two daughters, Deb and Sharon, all of Anamosa; a grandson; his father, J.H. Ricklefs of Anamosa; three brothers, Lawrence and James, both of Monticello, Elmer of Lime, N.Y.; six sisters, Mrs. Kenneth Holcomb of Iowa City, Mrs. Josephine Domer of Central City, Mrs. Florence Atkinson and Mrs. Jeanette Syrovey, both of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Jerry Oellrich of Toddville and Mrs. Arthur Houston of Monticello.Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Anamosa, by the Rev. Richard Kling. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Anamosa.
Friends may call at the Goettsch Funeral Home after 11 a.m. Wednesday. Clergymen: Rev. Richard Kling, Rev. Victor Nelson. Casket Bearers: George Watters, Eli Shada, James Shipley, Ervin Stutt, Larry Conmey, George Blair
Submitted by: Sherry Christensen
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette, June 10, 1980.
William S. Rieken
Services Held in Wayne Church
Funeral services for William S. Rieken, 78, of Wayne township who died Sunday, May 27, at the Mercy Hospital, Anamosa, were held yesterday at 2 o'clock at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Wayne Township. Rev.F. H. Kehren, Lutheran minister, officiated.
Mr. Rieken was born August 21 1866, at Marz (Marx) East Friesland, Germany, a son of Sebastian and Helene (Bohlen) Rieken. He was confirmed in Germany in 1881, Mr. Rieken came to Jones county from Germany when he was a young man 15 years of age. He has farmed near Anamosa for more than fifty years. He was reguarded as one of the successful farmers of Wayne township. As a young man he worked in Scotch Grove and near Monticello.
He was married January 6, 1888, to Emma Helgens in the Zion Lutheran church, Wayne township, by the Rev. C. Mardorf. They became the parents of seven children and weere privileged to live together 57 years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1938.
He is survived by his wife; five daughters, Mrs. Meta Dirks, Mrs. Lena Dirks, Mrs. Ella Connolly, and Mrs. Laura Stambaugh, all of Anamosa, and two sons, William of Monticello, and George, also of Monticello
He is also survived by nine grandchildren. One of his grandsons, Clarence Dirks, is in foriegn army service in Germany.
Submitted by: Steve Hanken
Source: Monticello Express, May 31, 1945.
Anton Theodore Rieniets
Theo Rieniets Buried Monday
Had Resided in This Community Since 1891
Anton Theodore Rieniets for 50 years a resident of this community, died at his home near Monticllo Friday, February 12, at 6 am. Funeral services were held at St. Matthew's church Monday afternoon at 2 pm in charge of the Rev. Henry L Adix, Lutheran pastor. Burial was made at the Bowen's Prairie cemetery.
Rieniets was born September 3, 1869 at Husum at Cleverns, Oldenburg, Germany, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in the same village. His parents were Johan Heinrich and Onke Margaret (Henrichs) Rieniets. He came to this country with his brother William in 1892.
He worked as a farm laborer until he was married to Gretke Hayen Burrack, May 10, 1899, at Monticello by the late Rev. C Mardorf. The family home has always been made on the same farm in Lovell township.
Mr and Mrs Rieniets became the parents of 3 children, Henry and Cecelia, at home, and Frederick who lives near by on a farm in Lovell township. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by 3 stepdaughters: Grace (Mrs. Henry Freese); Lizzie (Mrs. Tobias Bohlken); Mary (Mrs. John Caspers). Meta, Emma, and Katie preceded him in death. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Henry of Castle Grove and William of Strawberry Point, 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Rieniets' health declined after an eye operation 2 years ago. He had been confined to his home sine November, 1942. He was a regular attendant and an ardent supporter of St. Matthew's Lutheran church, and has served as secretary of the congregation for 25 years.
Rieniets had always been interested in dairy cows and took pride in a herd of Holsteins on his farm. He built and remodeled most of the buildings on the farm and erected a fine new home in 1911. He was a member of the The Express 50 Year Farmer club, of the AAA and Farm Bureau.
Source: Monticello Express, 9 February 1943.
Eliza Amanda Rigby
Mrs. Lemuel Aldrich
Mrs. Lemuel Aldrich resident of this locality for about 44 years (1900). Illness lasted three weeks and she was not in good health last year. Her age at death was 66. Born Galena, Wayne County, New York, October 9, 1833, her maiden name was Eliza Miranda Rigby. She married Lemuel Aldrich in Sandusky, Ohio in 1853. They settled near Monticello two years after their marriage. removed to Kansas in 1884 and remained but one year, returning to farm in Jones county. Mrs. A. was the mother of eleven children and survived by seven, four sons, three daughters and her husband. Funeral services were in the family residence in Monticello. The remains were intered at Oakwood.
Source: Monticello Express, ca. 22 May 1900
Note: Two of her children were Leonard, b. 1856 and E. C., b. April 1860. Her death certificate says she died 22 May, 1900 of typhoid Pneumonia.
Lucy Ripley Worster
Resident of Jones County for 56 Years
The funeral of Mrs. Lucy Worster, whose death was noted last week, was held at the family residence near Langworthy last Thursday afternoon and was conducted by Rev. M. A. Breed, of the Congregational church of Monticello. Mrs. Worster had been a resident of Jones County for 56 years, and had lived during all of that time upon the farm where her death occurred. The maiden name of the deceased was Lucy Ripley. She was born in Winchester, New Hampshire, November 20th, 1825. She was married in that state June 26th 1845 to Selim Worster. She was the oldest member of a family of thirteen children, of whom four survive. These surviving brothers and sisters are John and Henry Ripley, Mrs. Miranda Hildreth, and Mrs Julia Scott. Mrs. Worster's family was nearly as large as that of her parents for she was the mother of 11 children, ten of whom survive. All of the surviving children were present at their mother's funeral. The surviving children are as follows: George C. Worster, Ottosen, Iowa; John M. Worster, Emporia, Kansas; Waldo A. Worster, Fort Scott, Kansas; Aldin E. Worster, Algona, Iowa; Chios S. Worster, Emporia, Iowa; Miranda S. Dunn, West Bend, Iowa; William J. Worster, Ottosen, Iowa; Hattie J. Clark, Cass township, Iowa; Cora A. Walters, Cass township, Iowa; Henry F. Worster, Langworthy, Iowa. Mrs Worster was a good mother who found the greatest pleasures in the life to be those that came from a ministry to the wants of her children. She found peace in work and the performance of the daily duties that crowded upon her life. Until a short time before her death she did her own housework. She earned the reward of a faithful, trusting, serving woman, who left a strong influence to radiate through her children.
Submitted by: Rich Farin
Leona M. Rittmer Ambuehl
11 July 1902—3 December 1989
Funeral services for Leona M. Ambuehl, 87, were held Dec. 6 at the Murdoch-Linwood Chapel by Rev. John Gilmore of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial was held in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello.
Leona Ambuehl, formerly of Monticello, died Dec. 2 at Living Center West, Cedar Rapids, where she has been a resident for the past two years.
Leona M. Rittmer was born July 11, 1902 at Clinton. She married George Ambuehl in 1921 at Monticello. He died in 1971.
Mrs. Ambuehl was survived by a brother, Herbert Rittmer of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Esther McDonald of Monticello and Amanda Bennett of Kenosha, WI.
A memorial fund has been established.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg
Source: Monticello Express, page A-32, column 1, 13 Dec 1989.
Charles Henry Robinson
11 March 1886—4 September 1969
Monticello---Funeral services for Charles Henry Robinson, 83, were held Saturday afternoon at Goettsch funeral home. The Rev. Denton Ericson officiated. Interment was in Oakwood cemetery. Mr. Robinson, a resident of Monticello for over 60 years, died at John McDonald hospital Sept. 4. He was born at Anamosa March 11, 1886, the son of Ervin and Lydia Sampson Robinson. He received his education in Anamosa schools. He married Eva Darrow Dec 9 1905, at Anamosa, where they lived for a short time before making their home in Monticello. Mr. Robinson was employed by McNeil hardware as a clerk for over 50 years, before retiring a few years ago. He was preceded in death by a son, his parents, three sisters and a brother. Survivors include his wife; five children. Mrs. Ruth Rickels, Chancey, Jack, Mrs. Eldon(Joann) Steger and Mrs. James (Bonnie) Balsiger, all of Monticello. Also 15 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs Hazel Thomas of Monticello. Casket bearers were Donald Robinson, James Robinson, Robert Robinson, Donald Lawrence, Joseph Kotz, Dennis Steger, Richard Rickels and LeRoy Rickels.
Submitted by: Lesley & Renee Franks
William Riley Robinson
Born 26 November 1836
Wm. R. Robinson, whose critical illness the Pioneer-Press mentioned last week, passed away Sunday afternoon and was buried from the Presbyterian Church Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Cardy conducted the services. The funeral was largely attended, the local GAR with many soldiers from Mt. Vernon, Lisbon, Stanwood, and Tipton attending in a body. Just before the sermon, Rev. Cardy read the following obituary.
Wm. R. Robinson, one of the old and respected residents of Jones County, just across the line from Cedar County, was born in Champaign County, Ohio November 26, 1836 and at the age of four years he came with his parents Asa and Hannah Stratton Robinson to Jones County, Iowa. Here the family remained for two years and then removed to Cedar County where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-six he answered the call for volunteers to preserve the Union and enlisted in Co. H 35th Vols. and shared in every battle, about eighteen in all, in which his company engaged during the war. He was in the army for three years, never missed a battle, and was never wounded nor was he ill at any time and therefore never saw the inside of a hospital.
On the 10th of March 1870, the deceased and Louisetta Piper were married, and to them eleven children were born, four sons and seven daughters. Ten of these children are living, Lewis being dead. They are: Frank of Greenfield Township, Mrs. Anna Maley, Stanwood, Mrs. Alice Mershon, Brookings, South Dakota, Wm. who lives at home, Mrs. Ida Miller, Morley, Iowa, Asa of Greenfield Township, Mrs. Bertha Vanderbilt, Greenfield Township, Mrs. Bessie Fisher, Mechanicsville, Mrs. Minnie Parks and Mrs. Ehrmal Murfield Brookings, South Dakota. These children and the widow survive and deplore the loss of husband and father.
Rev. A. P. Cooper, on January 24, 1910, received Wm. Robinson on confirmation of faith into full membership of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Robinson's conversion was brought about by reading regularly every day the papers which contained the sermons preached by Evangelist W. R. Sunday during his campaign at Cedar Rapids in the fall of 1909. Mr. Robinson was unable to attend these services but from the printed word he became convinced that the only thing he could do and be at peace with himself and the world was to embrace the Christian religion. He therefore sent for his pastor, Rev. Cooper, expressed his desire and became a converted and Christian man. This step brought him great peace of mind and Death had no terror for him.
Submitted by: Carole Park Wilcox
Source: The Pioneer Press, Vol. 50, No. 35, Thursday, 15 Aug 1912, Page 1, Cols. 1 & 2.
Maria Rogers Cahill
Rites for Former Temple Hill Resident
The funeral of Mrs. Maria Cahill, for fifty-one years a highly esteemed citizen of Fremont county, Iowa was held last Wednesday morning from St. Patrick's Catholic church, Imogene, Iowa, Rev. F W Doyle officiating.
Pall bearers were: Andy and Mike Delehany, Joe Saner, Joe Laughlin, Jerry F Maher, and Leo Gutschenritter. The remains were laid to rest in Mt. Calvary cemetery in Imogene.
Maria Rogers (daughter of Joseph and Catharine Rogers) was born in Temple Hill, Jones county, Iowa, June 7, 1862. There she spent her girlhood life and there on February 22, 1884 she was united in marriage to (Michael) Joe Cahill, the young couple went to a farm northeast of Imogene where Mrs. Cahill spent the remainder of her married life.
To this union five children were born. One daughter, Mae, passed away at the age of two years. The four surviving children together with their father left to mourn the loss of a devoted mother and wife, are: Leo, Council Bluffs, Mrs. Stella Chandler, Essex, and Emmett and Mrs. Ida Maher of Imogene. Eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Mr. And Mrs. Cahill celebrated their golden wedding February 22, 1934.
The death of Mrs. Cahill was a great shock to everyone, even to her immediate family, who were all with her during her last illness, which was of short duration. She was in her usual health at the time stricken and doing her own housework. Mr. Cahill who was out doing the chores came in about 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon and found her suffering with a severe pain in her chest. He at once did what he could to relieve her and called a physician and members of the family and nurses and everything loving hands could do was done to relive her but to no avil. Sunday night about midnight she became unconscious and remained so until shortly before she died when she rallied for a short time and then passed away calmly and peacefully at 3:30 Monday afternoon, March 4.
Mrs. Cahill possessed a very happy, cheerful disposition, was very generous and always anxious to do some kindness and share her hospitality with those she came in contact with. She was agreat admirer of little children and they all loved her in return. She was an excellent neighbor, a kind, loving and devoted mother and a faithful wife. She was a staunch member of the Catholic church.
Her passing takes from this life one of the very best and model homemakers. She will be missed by all who knew her, and her many kind deeds will live long in the memories of those who knew her best. Her loss will be most keenly felt by her husband with whom for 51 years whe shared joys and sorrows. She loved her home and was always there and always welcomed visitors and enjoyed their company. She was the last of a family of eight.
Submitted by: Joanne Wilken
Source: Cascade Pioneer, 11 April 1935.
Edmund O. Root
Pioneer Resident Passes Away in Iowa
Edmund O. Root, son of Ozias and Emily Root was born on a farm in Jones Co. Ia, Sept. 3, 1862 and departed this life at his home in Hale on Aug. 27, 1941, at the age of 78 years, eleven months and twenty-four days. He was the youngest of a family of four children, three sisters having preceded him in death. On Aug. 22, 1907 he was married to Cora May Tubbs at Anamosa, IA. His early life was spent on a farm near the Diamond Cemetery. His parents were pioneer settlers of Iowa. When eighteen years of age he moved with his parents to Inman, Ne. Here he took up a homestead near O'Neill and experienced many hardships incident to early pioneer life. He returned to Ia, with his family in 1909. He had been in failing health for several years, the last four months being confined to his bed. He was still a member of the Diamond Willow Camp of Modern Woodman of America at Inman, Ne. Funeral services were held at the Campbell Funeral Home at Olin, Ia. Saturday at 2 p.m. conducted by William N. Lundquist of Moline, Illinois. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter Mrs. Esther Young of Mechanicsville, Ia and one step son, Morris Tubbs, at home.
Submitted by: Sandy Dempsey
Ozias J. Root
22 August 1827—13 October 1897
Mr. Ozias J. Root was born in Ohio and died at Inman, Holt Co., NE. Oct.13, 1897 being 70 years old on Aug. 22, last. He was married in New York State to Emily Phillips of Connecticut and afterwards lived in Ohio and Iowa, moving to Holt County NE about 17 years ago, with his family making their home on the beautiful Elkhorn River. Mr. and Mrs. Root lived happily together for forty years, she having gone on to the "better land" over two years in advance of her beloved husband. They raised one son, Edmond, and three daughters, Lovisa, Helen-(Nellie), and Susan, all of whom live to mourn the loss of devoted and exemplary parents, whose lives were models of simplicity and true piety. Mr. and Mrs. Root Leaned to the Baptist persuasion, but as no organization of that creed was here, they worshipped with all good people, who join with the relatives in mourning their loss as neighbors and Christians. He was a member of the F.&A.M. Lodge No. 93 of O'Neill, NE. His last sickness of two weeks was the culmination of old troubles, kidney and heart disease. His remains were taken to Hale, IA for internment.
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Ozias J. Root passed peacefully away last Wed. morning the 13th. They moved here sixteen years ago. His family consisted of himself, his wife and son Edmond O. Root. They owned one section of land and were prosperous farmers. They united with the Christians and were very worthy members. Two years last August, Mrs. Root died after a gradual decline. Brother Root was a very devoted husband; doing all in his power to bear her burdens and to make her comfortable and happy. After her death Mr. Root and his son took her to Iowa where she was buried among relatives and friends. Brother Root's health has been gradually failing ever since. The son E. O. Root has been very kind and watchful through all of his illness. Thursday morning he started on the train for Iowa to bury his father by the side of his beloved wife.
Card of Thanks
We desire to thank our neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our beloved father.
-E.O.Root and Mr. and Mrs. Horace (and Nellie) Bradley
Submitted by: Sandy Dempsey
Source: Inman, NE News, Oct. 19, 1897 Vol. 5.
Note: Ozias and Emily Root are buried at the Diamond Cemetery near Hale, IA.
Claribel M. Roseberry Cress
June 23, 1916–April 17, 2008
Claribel M. Cress, 91, of Onslow, Iowa, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, at her home.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Lahey Funeral Home in Wyoming. Burial was in the Clay Cemetery, Onslow, Iowa.
Claribel Marie Roseberry was born on June 23, 1916 in Center Point, daughter of Austin Alpaugh Roseberry and Susan Emma (Bumgardner) Roseberry. She married Forest Earl Cress on July 16, 1931 in Toddville, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2004.
She was a housewife and had farmed with her husband. She was a past member of Green’s Grove Ladies Aid, Presbyterian Women’s Guild, Phythian Sisters and the Claytonian Club. She was a member of the 63 Club and a member of Cedar Valley Pepper Club for over 60 years. Claribel enjoyed quilting and collecting music boxes and miniature tea sets.
Claribel is survived by two daughters, Dorotha Bickford and Evelyn (Howard) Luckstedt, both of Wyoming; two sons Dennis (Charlotte) Cress, Iowa City and Randy (Carol) Cress, Anamosa; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Bert (Evelyn) Roseberry, Center Point and a sister, Evadene (Howard) Keith, Warwick, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a grandson, Timothy Joseph Cress – 1964, a son Mark Allen Cress – 1994, a daughter-in-law, Nancy Cress, son-in-law, Don Bickford, a sister Violet Elgin, and six brothers, Dallas, Mark, Roy, Max, Paul and Robert Roseberry.
Submitted by: Janet A. Brandt
Amos Rouse
2 February 1842-9 December 1924
Amos Rouse, another of the pioneer settlers of Montour passed away last Tuesday night at 10:15pm at the home of his son, J.E. Rouse, two and one-half miles south of Montour, after an illness of a few days of pneumonia. The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in charge of Rev. George Shear. Music was furnished by O.L. Millard, Mrs. Paxton, Mrs. Millard accompanying. The pallbearers were N.P. Cronk, Frank Vana, Harold Paxton, Glen Letch, Sherman Buchanan, and Arthur Merritt. The Masons attended in body. E.O. Harris was acting as master at the Masonic services at the grave. He was buried in Maple Hill cemetery beside his wife. John Rouse, of Davenport, Mrs. Jesse Broknerhoff and John Rouse, of Iowa City, were the out of town relatives in attendance.
Sketch of his life: Amos Rouse, son of John and Barbara Rouse, was born in Ohio, February 2, 1842 and died at the home of his son 2 1/2 miles south of Montour, Dec 9, 1924, aged 82 years, 10 months, 7 days. Early in his life he removed with his parents to Indiana, settling later in Jones Co, Iowa. In the early sixties he came to Montour, where he was married to Alice Finch July 1, 1866. They being the first couple married in Montour. To this union were born nine children: Lettie, wife of A.D. McElhinney, Waterville Washington; John H of Davenport; and Jasper E of Montour, survive the father. Ettley I passed away Sept 7, 1908. Mrs. Rouse was called July 2, 1919. They lived in the same house for more than 50 years. Mr. Rouse has nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Since the death of his wife he has made his home with his son. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge of Montour, a Christian man and a faithful attendant at church.
Submitted by: Michelle
Note: I am ALMOST POSITIVE that they have it wrong in there about him and his wife having nine children. I have a 1900 census and it said that they had five children and five living (at that time).
Harriet M. Rowe
Youngest of Seventeen Children
Married Philander Mott
Harriet M. Rowe was born at Casanovia, New York, Sept. 16, 1823 and died at Anamosa, Iowa March 12, 1907 age 83 years, 5 months and 2 days. Deceased was the youngest of seventeen children all of whom are now dead. When but 15 years of age she married Philander Mott. To this union were born 3 children, a son and two daughters. Both daughters lie buried in one grave in Cortland, New York. After the death of the Daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Mott removed to Fairview, Iowa in 1864, and resided there until the death of her husband in December 1903 when she removed with her son to Anamosa. She united early in life with the M.E. church in McGrawville, New York and has continued a member of that denomination ever since. Ill health has for many years prevented her from attending worship. She has long been a sufferer from ill health and death came a welcome release. She leaves 1 son, 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and also 6 great-grandchildren to mourn her loss. Funeral services were held at Fairview M.E. church, Thursday at 1 p.m. Interment was at Wilcox cemetery, Viola, Iowa.
Those attending the funeral Were W.A. Mott and wife of Hale, Iowa, Mrs. N. Coon of Oxford Junction, Iowa and Mrs. Mamie Wilson, of Davenport, Iowa.
Submitted by: Kathy Anthony
Anna Ruof Ambuehl
18 September 1866-29 November 1951
Died Last Thursday Following Short Illness
Mrs. Anna Ruof Ambuehl passed away suddenly at the John McDonald hospital Thursday afternoon following a brief illness. She had been a patient there for one day.
Born in Brienz (Canton) Bern, Switzerland, on September 18, 1866, she was one of five children, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich Ruof. At the age of 16 she entered the United States to join her father, who had came two years ahead of her. The home was made in the Bowen's Prairie vicinity.
On November 26, 1885, she was united in marriage to Andrew Ambuehl in the Evangelical and Reformed church in Monticello by the Rev. Wittenwyler. Mrs and Mrs. made their home in the Bowen's Prairie vicinity and in 1916 they moved to Monticello.
Surviving are four sons, Oscar and Rudolph, Monticello, John of Rockford, Ill., and George of East Peoria, Ill., and three daughters, Katherine (Mrs. Neman Moore) and Lillian (Mrs. Roy Like) of Monticello, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Donald Cobb) of East Peoria, Ill.; and one brother, Hans Ruof, Monticello. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many friend and relatives.
Funeral services were held Monday from the Goettsch funeral home to the Evangelical and Reformed church at 2 p.m. with Rev. John F. Baumann officiating with the services. Pallbearers included Ulrich Schilt, George Buol, Sam Bronemann, William B. Behrends, Martin Burrichter and George Mardorf. Internment was made at the Oakwood cemetery.
Mrs. Ambuehl was a confirmed member of the Evangelical and Reformed church of Switzerland and continued her faith in the Monticello church for many years that followed.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg
John (Hans) Ruof
8 October 1868-15 March 1959
Funeral services for John Ruof, 90, were held Wednesday at the Goettsch Funeral home.
Rev. Dale Wolfgram of the Evangelical and Reformed Church conducted the services and interment was in Oakwood cemetery.
Mr. Ruof died Sunday at John McDonald hospital. He had suffered a fractured hip.
He was born Oct. 8, 1868, at Brienz, Switzerland, the son of Ulrich and Margaret Stahli Ruof. He came to the United States with his parents at 14. They settled in the Monticello community and later moved to Dubuque. Mr. Ruof returned to Monticello and had made his home here for the past 65 years.
He married Emma Bajasch in Dubuque on Jan. 15, 1896. He was employed at McNeil Hardware store. He was also the oldest living member of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
He is survived by his wife; two daughter, Mrs. Charles (Margaret) Gronewald, Waterloo, and Mrs. Floyd (Thelma) Clark, Paris, Ill.; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.
Pallbearers were George Burrichter, George Mardorf, William Behrends, Emil Burrichter, Martin Burrichter, and John Jaggi.
Submitted by: Lloyd Raeg
Source: Monticello Express, 19 Mar 1959, pg. 5, col. 4.
Lorenzo D. Russell
96, Dies Sunday; Came Here By Covered Wagon in '78
Funeral for L.D. Russell, 96, was held Tuesday afternoon at Goetsch Funeral home. Rev. Walter D. Wigger, Anamosa Baptist pastor, officiated. Casket Bearers were Raleigh Houstman, Dan James, Roy Glick and Price Blayney. Burial was in Forest Cemetery.
Born in 1855, Lorenzo D. Russell was born at Clifton, Mason county, West Virginia, Nov. 25, 1855. He moved with his parents to Jones county, Iowa in 1878. They traveled by covered wagon, leaving West Virginia on Oct. 31 and arrived in Iowa on Dec. 3 in 1878.
Mr. Russell and Sarah Meeks of Jackson township, Jones county, were married July 10, 1883. Three children were born, Mrs. Vada Reese and Mrs. Rosella Davison, both of South Pasedena, Calif., and Elmer Russell, Anamosa.
Helped Build Church
Mr. Russell has always lived near Olin and in Anamosa since coming to Iowa. He worked at various types of labor, including farming. For some years he worked for Anamosa City Waterworks. He helped build the old Riverside church in Jackson township. Mr. Russell's wife preceded him in death in 1928. Surviving, in addition to his three children, is a sister, Mrs. Maggie Dunn, Villisca, along with six grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and other relatives.
Submitted by: Margaret Nelson
Source: Anamosa Journal, May 31 1951.

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