O'CONNELL, Sarah

OCONNELL, HUFFMAN

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 10/24/2004 at 13:12:04

Obituary from the Weekly Cherokean Democrat, November 16, 1890

Mrs. Patrick O’Connell.

Mrs. Sarah O’Connell, wife of Patrick O’Connell, died at her home last Tuesday the 18th of inflammation of the stomach. Her death seems peculiarly sad in that no one expected or even imagined that one as healthy would be so soon called from this life. At first her illness was considered as only trifling and she said to her attendants that she would be well in a few days. But on Monday night her condition became much worse and on Tuesday morning she was very low. Dr. Huffman, who has been waiting on her from the first day of her sickness, was sent after and although he tried to alleviate her suffering, his attempts were of no avail. Mrs. O’Connell seemed conscious that death was at hand, and tried to overcome the powerful spell that she might remain with her young family, still she could not and at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning she breathed her last with her head resting on the arm of the man who was always a kind and true husband to her.

As soon as the sad news was reported the entire community was overcome with grief for the loss of one so respected and loved by them all, and for the poor children that their devoted mother lived for and longed to now leave to the cares of this life without her guidance.

Mrs. Sara O’Connell was born in Willington county, Canada, on June 7, 1847. She came to the United States with her parents, who located in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, and about eighteen years ago moved to Iowa, and has been a resident of Cherokee county ever since. She was married to P. O’Connell about eleven years ago, and in all five children were born to them. The oldest child is ten years, the youngest nine months, which makes the death indeed a sad one.

Deceased was from childhood a firm believer and zealous member of the Catholic church faith and during her years had by her motherly and patient ways won a warm place in the hearts of all who knew her.

At 11 o’clock Thursday one of the largest processions ever seen in Sheridan township moved slowly to the German settlement cemetery where the last remains of Mrs. O’Connell was laid to rest. Mr. O’Connell, who is left so suddenly alone with his family, in the hour of bereavement has the heartfelt sympathy of everyone.