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Microfilm from State Historical Society of Iowa
Blakesburg (Wapello co, IA)Excelsior Newspaper, Jan 1,
1925 (missing issues Aug 6, 13;) Oct 8,1925-Dec 25, 1930
Thurs April 29, 1926
Mrs. S. F. CHIDESTER died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Susie D. LOYER in Cedar Falls, Friday
morning, April 16th, after a short illness. Mrs.
CHIDESTER had spent the winter at the home of her
daughter in Cedar Falls and was expecting to return to
her home northwest of Blakesburg this spring. She was
one of the pioneer ladies of this community, held in high
esteem by her acquaintances and the announcement of her
death brought sadness to her relatives and friends.
The following is the obituary: The death of Mrs.
Celestia Louvinna CHIDESTER occurred Friday morning,
April 16, 1926, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Susie
D. LOYER in Cedar Falls. The body was brought to Albia
and funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m., Sunday
at Bethel church, Rev. J. H. HAMPSHIRE officiating. A
quartet from Avery sang a number of songs, and interment
was beside the husband in the Bethel cemetery. Celestia
Louvinna STEVENSON was born in Monroe county, March 8,
1851. Here she spent her childhood days. On June 21,
1866, she was united in marriage to Samuel Floyd
CHIDESTER and to this union were born five children,
Isan T of Ottumwa, George S. of Albia, Susie D. LOYER of
Cedar Falls, Laura D. DEMING of Grinnell, and Louvinna,
who with the father preceded her in death. Mrs.
CHIDESTER was for a number of years a member of the
Christian church at Blakesburg.
****
Additional personal information:
In my family she was known as Aunt Lettie as her
husband, Samuel Floyd Chidester (1845-1911), was brother
to my great grandfather, Elliott Chidester (1858-1953).
Their son, Isan (1867-1946), was a great letter writer,
keeping his Uncle Elliott in Tacoma, Washington abreast
of the family doings in Iowa (of which I have the
original letters).
I will gladly share information on the WV to MO to IA
Chidesters.
Audrey Cox Vogelpohl
Seattle, Washington