Monday, May 22, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Rowley Lineage and Genealogy, Part 5


Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.


Rowley Family Story con't ....
More on Rev. R C Rowley ~ anniversaries, birthdays, news 


GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Rev R C Rowley and Rhoda A Vredenburg were married in Greencastle Indiana on the 29th day of September, 1840 by Bishop Amos, and their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated in a quiet way at their home in Brooks, Iowa, on Monday, the 29th by a few of their relatives. Those present were C J Vredenburg of Atlantic, brother of mother Rowley; Mrs John Goodall, of Birmingham, Iowa, sister of father Rowley; M M Rowley, wife and family of New Windsor, Ill; Mr and Mrs J L Twining, of Corning, and Mrs Anna Wilcox and son. The absent ones substantially represented were: a brother, Rev L T Rowley, of Danville, Iowa; Frank Rowley, of New Virginia, Iowa, and Ross and Harry Rowley, of Omaha, grandsons; and Mrs Jesse and Mac Strope, of Des Moines, granddaughter.

~1890 newspaper clipping

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Rev R C Rowley of Brooks, Ia is the oldest Iowa man in attendance upon the general assembly, being now in his eighty-eighth year. Dr Rowley is not a commissioner, but attends all the sessions and is deeply interested in them. He came from Brooks unaccompanied, and despite his age, gets around with remarkable agility, being hale and hearty and as clear brained as though he was a half century younger. He was born in 1818, ordained in the Methodist church when but twenty years of age and became a Presbyterian in 1862. He organized the Brooks Presbyterian church in 1877, and was pastor of it until four or five years ago.

~1906 newspaper clipping

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A BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!

There was much rejoicing in the home of Mr and Mrs J L Twining from the fact that Father Rowley and Mother Twining have passed another milestone in their lives. Birthdays, and the same day! Mrs E W Twining was 94 and Rev Rowley was 93 - July 18, 1911. The lady is the mother of Jesse Twining and the gentleman, the father of his wife. The two 'brithday folk' have been members of the Twining household for years and are greatly loved and honored. Beloved by all, family and friends, they are as happy an elderly couple as Corning affords. They have had remarkable health and Dr Rowley makes his daily journey 'uptown' always with a smile and a handshake for everybody. Mrs Twining is active within the household. Their minds are clear; Father has an unusual memory, it is wonderful to hear him recall the past and present events with ease and accuracy. He always has a fund of information on any subject. All Corning and the surrounding countryside are joyfully interested in the anniversaries of these old beloved and honored citizens.

~Corning IA, 18 July 1911 newspaper clipping


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In response to expression of regard on his ninety-third birthday

"I assure you that such voluntary expressions of esteem are more precious than silver and gold. It makes one feel that he has not lived and labored in vain. It revives in memory the pleasant associations and fellowship of the past. About seventy-five years have been spent in the ministry. They have been years of toil and exposure in the wilderness of Indiana and on the bleak prairies of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. But they have been years of pleasure and great enjoyment. The Lord, whom I have tried to serve, has been with me, and although I have made many mistakes, thru life and His grace I am what I am.

And now, as I approach the evening of life, the future looks as bright as the promises of Our Heavenly Father. I should like to take each of you by the hand and tell you how much I prize these tokens of friendship. May the God of All Grace be with each one of you and keep you by His power unto everlasting life."

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..........to be continued ..........


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©1950-82 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

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