Samuel Smith Rowser

Native of Martinsburg, Died at his home in Iowa. Lived in west over half a century. Was pioneer of Cedar County.

Samuel Smith Rowser was born in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, 21 August 1826. He went to Iowa in 1844, first settling in Scott County, at Davenport. In 1848 he returned to Pennsylvania remaining for about four years. In 1855, returned to Davenport, Iowa and in 1856 he moved to Red Oak Grove, Iowa, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred 6 June 1911.

His wife died 21 September 1902. Ten children were born in this home. Six sons and four daughters, one son having died in infancy. There remain five sons and four daughters to cherish the memory of a beloved father. There remains also two sisters and one brother, fifteen grand children and two great grandchildren. He was the oldest of a family of four children and the first of four to die.

This aged father was a life long member of the church, having jointed the United Brethren Church in 1852 and remain with that church as long as it continued in Red Oak Grove; then he united with the Presbyterian Church. His children believed in him. One of his sons said, "My father was a man who lived his religion seven days in the week."

He was devoted to the church and the interests of God's Kingdom. He was honored and loved, not only in his home but also by his friends and all those whose good fortune it was to know him.

For several years he has been a helpless paralytic. He was tenderly cared for by a daughter, Nancy Rowser, who ministered to his every need.

He was ready to go and the gates of the Eternal City opened wide to receive his spirit. Fortunate indeed, are the sons and daughters to have had a father whose memory is so precious to them.

Several years ago Mr. Rowser visited Martinsburg when we learned to know him. He possessed a retentive memory and told the editor of the Herald more of the early doings and history of Martinsburg than any other person. The town had then undergone a complete change as to people living here, there being very few here who lived here when Mr. Rowser was a resident, one of whom was Mayor Alex Bobb.

Mr. Rowser was one of the pioneers of Cedar County, Iowa and the present generation now enjoying the fruits of the labors of the early settlers. The funeral of Mr. Rowser was held Thursday, 8 June, the services being held at the Red Oak Church by Rev. W. B. Davis of Stanwood.

Source: Clipping of obituary from Stanwood Herald.
Sent to us by Alta Schlenter
Saxton, Pennsylvania