McKinley, Archibald 1804 - 1889

MCKINLEY, MORRISON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/3/2013 at 11:31:59

Postville Review, Sat., 19 Jan. 1889.

Obituary- At the residence of his son, John McKinley, in Grand Meadow township, on Friday, Jan. 4, 1889, of heart disease, Mr. Archibald McKinley, aged 84 years, 10 months and 9 days.

Deceased was born in Ireland, Mar. 25, 1804. He was united in marriage to Nancy Morrison in 1927 and enjoyed (looks like 58) years of wedded life. Eight sons blessed this union, five of whom survive him, John and James of Clayton Co., William of Chicago, Alex. of Clermont and Archie of Forrest Hill, Cal.

Deceased emigrated to New York at an early day and later to Iowa, coming here in 1863, where he has since resided. He lead a truly Christian life, and came as near the ideal man as it is possible for human frailty to approach. He was one of those few who "live not for themselves but unto Him who died for them, and rose again". "As a man lives so shall he die" was never more beautifully illustrated than in the death of this man- calm, peaceful and resigned. The dark valley had no terror for him.

During his last moments when it was difficult to determine to which world he belonged, being speechless yet conscious, his eyes directed upward, immortality and glory were the imprints on his countenance, and muttering passages of scripture all at once the 'weary wheels of life stood still'.

Angels waft this noble spirit,
Which hath kept His ways so well.
Take it to its home in heaven,
There with Him in peace to dwell.

(Submitter is not related.)

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Added by Audrey Haught, July 7, 2015:

At the residence of his son John, in Grand Meadow township, on Friday, Jan. 4th, 1889. Archibald McKinley, died at the ripe age of 85 years.

Mr. McKinley was born in Ballycastle, Ireland, in January, 1804. After marriage and the raising of eight sons, five of whom are living, in 1862, he with his wife came to America, where the sons had settled some time previous. They came directly to Grand Meadow township. Some eight years ago the deceased lost the partner of his life, with whom he had lived a happy wedded season of fifty years. Finally, he who had never known a day’s sickness until the last, peacefully departed to join the loved ones gone before.

Mr. McKinley was a man known for his honesty and upright character and was universally respected. Of the family who survive and mourn his loss, John and James reside in Grand Meadow township, the latter being the well know chairman of the Board of Supervisors of this county; Alex. the postmaster at Clermont; William resides in Chicago and Archibald in California.

The funeral services were held at Clermont, on Sunday, Jan. 6th, Rev. Father Hackett officiating, attended by a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives.

Elkader Weekly Register: January 17, 1889