Taken from the Muscatine IA, Journal March 14, 1921
OLD RESIDENT
OF MUSCATINE
COUNTY, DEAD
Cranston, Ia., March 14.---Joseph W. Meeker, a lifelong resident of Muscatine County, died suddenly at his home here Saturday of apoplexy. He was 72 years of age and born in Muscatine County, January 17, 1849.

Surviving are his wife and four children---J. P. Meeker and Mrs. Maude Chapman of Muscatine, Ernest Meeker of Cranston and Mrs. Hattie Lee of Ardon. One brother, Warren Meeker of Cranston, a sister, Mrs. M. A. Ferris of Portland, Ore., and thirteen grandchildren survive.

One son, Willard V., preceded his father in death.

Funeral services will be held at the Cranston United Brethren church Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Burial will be made in the Cranston cemetery.

Joseph was born in 76 Township in Bloomington County after Iowa had been granted statehood in 1846. He lived with his parents and assisted with the farming, especially during his early teens when his brothers were in the military service.

1880 Census; Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa, Page 460A
W. Joseph MEEKER, Self, 31 born IA, Brick Mason, Fa: OH, Mo: OH
M. Maria MEEKER, Wife, 28 born IA, Keeping House, Fa: KY, Mo: IN
Preston MEEKER, Son, 6 born IA
Maud MEEKER, Dau, 2 born IA
Willard MEEKER, Son, 11 Months born IA

He was in the 1900 Seventy Six Township, Muscatine County, Iowa page 229.
Joseph W. Meeker 51 born Jan. 1849 in IA, both parents born OH, married 23 years
Maria wife 48 born Oct. 1857 born IA, father born KY, mother born IN she had 4 children and
3 still living;
Maud P. daughter 22 born July 1877 in IA;
Wilbur Earnest son 13 born May 13, 1887 in IA;
Hattie B. daughter 11 born Jan. 1889 in IA;
Johnnie R. Chapman nephew 8 born Aug. 1891 in IA and both parents born IA.

1920 Cedar Township, Muscatine County, IA;
Joseph W. Meeker 70 born IA;
Maria M. wife 68 born IA;