Nellie (Wall) O'Donnell 1867-1901

ODONNELL, WALL

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/12/2010 at 08:37:49

Carroll Sentinel
Carroll, Iowa
6 Jun 1901
Page 5

Death of Mrs. M. O'Donnell.

The sorrowful information of the death of Mrs. Mike O'Donnell was received by relatives in this city yesterday noon, the sad event taking place in Boone at 10:30 in the forenoon. Mrs. O'Donnell had been in rather frail health for several years, but was not considered dangerously ill until within a short time prior to the final summons. Hemorrhage of the lungs cut short the noble life instantly.

In the death of this amiable woman not only do a large number of kin folks bow in grief, but a host of friends unite in the hour of sadness to extend their heartfelt condolence to the bereaved husband and motherless little ones. The writer knew from childhood days the light-hearted, golden hair Nellie, who grew to noble womanhood in our midst and who while gone forever to her Father's home will live in loving remembrance in the hearts of all who knew her. Blessed are those who died in the Lord and with abiding faith may we hope to meet in the home beyond the grave.

Mrs. O'Donnell's maiden name was Nellie Wall, she being a sister of our townsman, Joseph Wall, who, by the way, remains the sole survivor of one of the noble families that are reckoned among Carroll county pioneers. A family of eleven at one time, but one is left. Oh, how the heart sorrows when we recall the sad event of that fatal malady which in one week carried away eight little souls. But Nellie was spared and her life is the history of Christian virtue and womanhood. To her was born three daughters who with the devoted husband and father mourn her demise.

Arrangements for the funeral have been made and complying with the desire of deceased the remains will be brought to Carroll for burial. Two coaches have been tendered the family and will convey the funeral party to this city tomorrow on the Pacific express, which arrives at 12:30. The remains will be taken to St. Joseph's church, where services for the dead will take place.

Carroll Sentinel
Carroll, Iowa
10 Jun 1901
Page 5

Last Sad Rites.

The funeral of Mrs. M. O'Donnell, whose death was chronicled last Thursday, took place from the St. Joseph's church Friday afternoon. The remains of the beloved relative and friend were brought here in a special car attached to the Colorado special and many mourners accompanied the party to this city. Before departing from Boone solemn requiem mass was sung for the dead, after which the journey to Carroll followed. On arriving here the funeral party was met by the Men's Sodality of Blessed Virgin, V. Rev. Father O'Connor and many old acquaintances. Slowly the procession moved toward St. Joseph's church while the muffled sound of the tolling bell announced the approach of the funeral cortege.

The solemn and impressive rites of the Catholic church granted to those who die in the faith were performed by the same beloved pastor who fourteen years ago united the deceased in the holy bonds of matrimony to the devoted husband who survives her. After the solemn office of the dead, mingled with the touch of holy water and odor of burning incense, was completed the pastor spoke briefly of life and its solemn termination. He reviewed the life of her who lay dead before him and in her existence so lately closed found ample material for a beautiful word picture of the Christian life. How calm and sweet was the life history of Nellie, and what a singularly happy conclusion. With truly Christian spirit spoken of in the good book she overcame the horrors of death.

The church was crowded with friends and at the conclusion of the eulogy an opportunity was given to view the countenance of the fair daughter of Eve for the last time. She looked the picture of contentment, and as her affectionate husband and little girls kissed the cold cheek of mama it seemed as if she realized their presence with a parting smile. Her death couch was a beautiful casket trimmed with costly satin, and her shroud was that which graced the slender form of a beautiful maiden on her happy wedding morning.

The services at the cemetery were concluded with the singing of the holy inspiration, "Nearer My God to Thee," and after the last echo of that sweet strain died upon the summer air the heavy hearted mourners returned home to again await the final summons which comes to one and all.

Following is a list of those who participated as pall-bearers: Jacob Ertz, M. V. Hamilton, M. J. Reilly, J. Devitt, T. P. Menton, J. W. Phillips, of Boone; Herman Baumhover and J. B. Kniest of this city.

Among the relatives at the funeral from a distance were, Mrs. John and Nellie O'Donnell from Lincoln, Neb., Thos. and Tierney O'Donnell from Kansas City.