Meehan, Jane 1840 - 1913

MEEHAN, REDMOND, EGAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 25 Dec. 1913.

Mrs. Jane Meehan was born in Castlecomer Kilkenny Co., Ireland, July 8, 1840, and died at her home near Clayton, Iowa, Dec. 5th, 1913.

Deceased received her education in the Presbyterian Convent in Castlecomer. She was united in marriage to Mr. Matt. Redmond, who died some three years later, leaving her a widow with one son. When her child was a year old she came to the United States. Here, after a few years, she met and married Mr. James Meehan. To this union were born eight children, seven sons and one daughter.

For a number of years they resided in New York City; moving from there to Detroit, Mich., but hearing what great opportunities lay in the west, they decided to come to Iowa. They settled on a farm about three miles from Clayton, Iowa, and on which place she was living at the time of her death.

In October, 1889, her husband died, leaving her with the care of a large family. Day after day did she toil with untiring energy, that her little ones would have the care that all true mothers love to bestow upon their children. Her great love for them never allowed her to shirk the care and toil incumbent upon her, and through all her trials she was always happy, because of her faith and trust in her God, for none could be more faithful, more devout, more true, or more painstaking in seeing that all who belonged to her should be brought up in and live the faith so dear to her. The great respect and love which her children always bestowed upon her will surely be a comfort to them in their hours of sadness, for never was a mother more worthy of love, and they can say:

"Tis counted something great to be
a Queen,
And bend a kingdom to a women's
Will.
To be a mother such as mine, I
ween,
Is something better and more noble
Still."

As a neighbor she was always ready to assist in time of need or sorrow, and as a friend one was rich indeed, who was so fortunate as to win her friendship, for no one could come in contact with her and her sweet womanly ways without being helped thereby.

About a year ago she was taken sick with Bright's disease, and although she seemed to recover, she suffered more or less until about a month ago, when she had another severe attack, but recovered sufficiently to be up and around. On the eve of her death she seemed as well as usual until almost four o'clock a.m., when a member of the family noticed a change for the worse and she sank into the quiet sleep from which there is no awakening.

"All farewells should be sudden, when forever, else they make an eternity of moments and clog the last sands of life with tears."

The funeral was held from St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Garnavillo, Iowa, Dec. 9, 1913, and the remains, which were followed by a large concourse of friends and relatives, were laid beside those of her husband in the Garnavillo Catholic cemetery.

Three sons, John, William and Thomas, preceded their mother in death. Those left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother are Matt Redmond, of Detroit, Mich.; Joseph, of Clayton; Richard, of Clayton township; Martin, of Waterloo, Ia.; Mayme and James, at home. Beside her children she leaves one sister, Mrs. Mary Egan, of Detroit, Mich.

Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Matt Redmond, Mrs. Mary Egan and daughter, Mrs. Bernard Monoghan, of Detroit, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Meehan, Miss Nellie Murphey, of Waterloo, Ia.; Mr. P. F. Meehan, of Rockwell, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Thos. O' Rourke, of McGregor; Miss Fannie Meder, Farmersburg; Miss Marcella Growney and Miss Clara Lattimer, of Dubuque; Mr. James Powers, of Clermont; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Kuempel, Mr. John Kuempel, Mrs. Mary Hodge, Mrs. Jas. Growney and Mr. and Mrs. B. Wulfekuhle, all of Guttenberg.