Finley, Matthew S. 1900-1928

FINLEY, THOMPSON, FITZPATRICK, DAVIDSAVER, MEYER, ORR, SHEA, BOLAND, KELLEHER, LEETE

Posted By: Judy Moyna (email)
Date: 4/20/2011 at 13:43:30

A shadow of sadness and sorrow was cast over the Finley home in Highland township, and the community in general, last Thursday morning, when God’s Angel of Death came to claim the soul of one of the community’s finest young men, Mathew S. Finley. Death, however, was not entirely unexpected, as Math. As he was known to all of us, had been in failing health for the past year or more. During this time everything known to medical skill was done, but about four months ago he was forced to take to his bed, and since that time he gradually grew weaker. Throughout this long ordeal of trying sickness he remained cheerful and had a smile for everyone, and it was in this same cheerful mood that he met the Angel of Death, with a smile upon his face.

The deceased was born in Highland township on September 1, 1900 and at the time of his death was aged 27 years, 5 months and one day.

He had always made his home with his parents on the farm in Highland township, where he was born and where he died.

He was a young man of excellent habits and fine moral character. He was of an honest, jovial and cheerful disposition, generous and charitable to all. We haven’t too many young men like Mathew S. Finley and it is little wonder his passing is deeply regretted.

The deceased was a member of the Elkader Council of the Knights of Columbus and about forty members of this Council attended the funeral in a body.

He leaves to mourn his death, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Finley, three sisters — Mrs. Ellis W. Thompson of Cedar Rapids, and Frances and Florence at home, one brother — Edward, also at home, besides a large number of other relatives. Two sisters preceded him in death a number of years ago.

Funeral services were held Saturday morning, February 4th, at Sacred Heart Catholic church. A requiem high mass was celebrated by the pastor Rev. D. P. Cregan, and he was assisted by Rev. J. R. Bowen of Strawberry Point and Rev. Toomey of West Union. Mrs. E. C. Fitzpatrick of Elkader and A. L. Davidsaver of Dyersville assisted in the choir.

Interment was in the Catholic cemetery.

The pall bearers were Jas. Meyer, William Orr, Jas. Shea, Luke Boland, Leo Kelleher and Don Leete.

To the bereaved parents, sisters, brother and other relatives, we extend our sincere sympathy.—Volga City News.

Card of thanks
We wish to extend our most heartfelt thanks to the relatives and friends, the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters and the Sunshine Club for the many acts of kindness bestowed upon us during the illness and death of our beloved son and brother.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Finley and family

~The Clayton County Register, Elkader, Iowa, Thursday, 16 February, 1928, p. 4.