SOWERS, Susannah
Source: Mattoon, Ill. Journal-Gazette Wed 10 Jan 1929 p 5
Newton, Ill Jan 9 – Mrs. Susannah Sowers,
probably the oldest “hello girl” in the United States, passed away at her home
in Gila Sunday night at midnight after a short illness. Mrs. Sowers was born at
Brownstown Ind March 25, 1837. She was married to Marshall M. Sowers in
Fountain County, Indiana in 1855 and they came to Jasper County in 1870,
residing at Gila ever since. Mr. Sowers’ death occurred September 13, 1919. For
the past 23 years the Gila exchange has been at the Sowers home and Mrs. Sowers
frequently acted as the operator. Her hearing and eyesight was almost perfect a
year ago. Surviving are four children: Miss Mary Catherine Sowers at home; WD
Sowers at Philo, Alva L. Sowers of Wheeler and Oscar A. Sowers of Chicago; 17
grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Funeral
services were held at 11 o’clock after which she was laid to rest in the nearby
cemetery beside her husband. - kbz