Decatur County Journal IOWA, USA
July 23, l903
EDWARD W. ROWLAND was born September 3, l8l6, in Montgomery Shire, North
Wales, in which Shire his father, mother and grandfather were born. His
mother's maiden name was JANE EDWARDS. He emigrated to this country in
his twenty-third year, arriving in New York City in l840. He went first
to Ebbensburg, Pa., and remained there till l859, when he moved to
McLean County, Ill. He was married to MISS JANE TIBBITT, March 5, l842,
in Cambria County, Pa., she dying in Illinois July 27, l862. From this
marriage were born eight daughters.
MR. ROWLAND united with the Presbyterian Church in early life, and was,
about a year later, made an elder in that church, in which capacity he
served upwards of sixty years. During all this time he was an active
worker in the Sabbath School, teaching a class until near the close of
his long life. He removed to this county with his son-in-law, MR. JAMES
CRESSWELL, with whom he made his home near Decatur till the last.
Since coming here he united with the Methodist Church by letter, there
being no Presbyterian Church within easy access. During the past
winter, when special services were held, in spite of his advanced age,
he attended nearly every service, both day and evening.
His death occurred July l9, l903, at the age of 86 years, l0 months and
l6 days. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.H. Ilsley of
this city, assisted by Rev. Scoggan, pastor of the Methodist Church of
Decatur.
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August 6, 200l
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