| Notes |
- DEATH NOTICE - AN OLD LADY'S LIFE
The funeral of Mrs. Isabel Sykes, in LeClaire township, on Friday last, was attended by a great number of people, though the weather was very inclement. The services were held in Zion's church, the Rev. Mr. Williams of Summit church, officiating.
Mrs. Sykes had resided in LeClaire and Princetown townships for thirty-five years. She was a singular woman—singular in her strength of mind, her strong common sense, her industry, and kindliness of heart. She was a native of Ireland—born in County Donegal in 1800.
In 1822 she married James Porter, who died in 1844, leaving her with eight children. The year after her husband's death, she emigrated to America, remaining some time in New York, where in 1847 she married Mr. Charles Sykes. In 1848 the family emigrated to this county and settled on a farm in LeClaire township—removing to Princeton township a few years thereafter, where they dwelt for fifteen years. Mr. Sykes died in 1862, and not long thereafter the widow purchased a cottage with a tract of four acres in LeClaire township, which was her abiding place, except during the winter months, when she lived with her son Finley, to the day of her death. Her industry was remarkable—she could not be content unless at work—if not for herself, then for somebody else. Her memory was wonderful—and her fund of information often astonished people who conversed with her. Six sons and a daughter survive—all children of her first husband. There are Mr. Robert Porter in Davenport, Finley in Princeton, James in Lincoln, William in LeClaire, John in Grinnell, Joseph in Avoca, and Mrs. Mary Littlepage in Oregon. Her son Samuel died in Story county last year [original text notes Samuel was her eldest but that does not fit the records, and the children are not listed in age order as shown in links].
Mrs. Sykes's death was singular as her life. She was ailing but a week—fell into a painless decline, which gradually drew death to her without causing suffering.
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1800 - 1883 (83 years)
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