YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS, Josephine Arnold Kuster, Churchwoman  
by David K. Leff
Town Poet Laureate and Deputy Town Historian

Born in Alsace-Lorraine, Josephine Arnold Kuster (1855-1916) came to this country in 1873 and lived most of her life in Collinsville.  She was active in the affairs of St. Patrick’s Church where she was a member of the Ladies Catholic Benevolent Society and the Altar Guild. 

In 1871, while still in Europe, she married Martin Kuster.  He was a Collins Company employee who died in 1912.  The couple had two sons, Reverend Francis J. Kuster, a Catholic priest, and Charles M. Kuster, a Collins Company workman and firefighter. 

“Mrs. Kuster was a woman of strong personality,” the Farmington Valley Herald wrote, “and one who exerted a great amount of influence for good in the community.  She will be missed in all of the circles of her church and societies and in the neighborhood on the west side of the river.  All feel that one of their best friends has passed away.” 

Josephine Arnold Kuster is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Collinsville. 

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past.  Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.