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Heatley, Abram J. 1836-1921

HEATLEY, JOYCE, GUIDER, HEALEY, RYAN

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/28/2018 at 15:13:36

Wexford
After an illness of almost two months, Abram Joseph Heatley passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Guider, at Lansing, Iowa, death being due to the infirmities of old age. Had he lived until July, 1921, he would have been 85 years of age.

Abram Joseph Heatley was born July 9, 1836 in Wicklow County, Ireland. At an early age, with his parents, he came to America, spending seven weeks on sea and finally landing at New Orleans.

Rev. Father Hoer accompanied the Heatley family from abroad and, after enduring the hardships of the early pioneer, they finally settled and established Wexford, the first Catholic colony north of Dubuque, Iowa, which parish, flourishing and prosperous, stands today to honor their memory.

At Wexford in April, 1876, Abram Heatley was united in marriage to Mary A. Joyce and to them were born ten children, all surviving, with the exception of a son, Austin, who passed away in 1877. Another son, Charles, died in 1908, and one son died in infancy. Mr. Heatley's wife was called in 1915.

Mr. Heatley received his early education in the rural schools, but later completed a course in Notre Dame University and taught school for several years before engaging in farming. He was an honest, unassuming man, and during his last illness bore up bravely and patiently and died fortified by the rites of the Catholic Church.

His children left to mourn him are: Ben, Will, Nellie and Mrs. Urban Healey of Wexford, John of Glenwood, Mrs. John M. Guider of Lansing, Iowa and Mrs. J.P. Ryan of Chicago; besides thirteen grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. T.J. Donahue, of Dubuque, the latter being the last surviving member of this fine old family.

The remains were taken from Lansing to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Urban Healey, which was also his old ancestral home away back in 1850, and from where the funeral took place on Saturday, March 19. Burial took place in Wexford after Mass of St. Joseph, sung by the Harpers Ferry choir. Rev. Father Laffan officiated. He was laid to rest beside his wife and children in Wexford cemetery, where sleep his parents, brothers and sisters. His father's remains were the first to be laid away in this fine old parish graveyard. God grant him eternal rest and peace to his soul.

~The Witness, Dubuque, IA; Wednesday, March 31, 1921


 

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