Smith, Margaret (Maher) Sculley 1827 - 1902

SMITH, MAHER, SCULLEY, HANSON, DOW, BALDRIDGE, KENNELLY, HOGAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/15/2021 at 17:04:54

Elkader Register, Thur., 03 July 1902. Strawberry Point column.

DIED- At the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thos. Hogan, Friday evening, June 28th, 1902, Mrs. Margaret Smith, aged 75 years. Margaret Maher was born in Queen Co., Ireland, Feb. 12th, 1827. Here she became acquainted with and married Patrick Sculley, at the age of seventeen years. Four years later they came to America, first settling in Pennsylvania where they resided for about four years, afterward they moved to Dubuque where they made their home for about four more years. From here they moved to Sperry township where they lived for forty-eight years, and three years ago this April she moved to town, where she has since resided.

Eight children blessed this happy home, two dying in infancy. Mrs. Julia Hanson died at this place Feb. 22, 18__ (looks like 1899), Jim Sculley died at Bloomfield, Ill., Dec. 12, 18__ (looks like 1899), and Patrick Sculley at Cox Creek, Oct. 12, 1879.

The remaining children are Mrs. Lizzie Dow, of Perry, Ia., and Mesdames Anna Baldridge and Margaret Kennelley, of Mederville.

After the death of her husband, Mr. Sculley, she was united in marriage to Michael Smith, at Elkader, in 18_2.

To this union was born two girls, Mary dying Nov. 11, 1886, and Mrs. Thos. Hogan, residing at this place.

Little do we realize what a day may bring forth. Mrs. Smith, or "Grandma," as she was familiarly known, seemed to enjoy good health and was always ready to enjoy a good chat with neighbors and old friends. Sunday, June 8, 1902, after the family was through supper, Grandma went to the back kitchen, and in turning around in some way she slipped and fell. When Drs. F. H. & I. P. Howard were summoned, they found her leg broken. Everything that loving hands could do was done, but her life could not be spared.

Everybody who knew Grandma Smith found her always ready to lend a helping hand in case of sorrow and need. It will be safe to say that those who knew her best will feel her loss most keenly, as she was a woman respected by all. Her's it has been to see this nation practically in its infancy, growing with a rapidity never equaled in the history of any other country until in the life of this one it has now become the greatest of all the earthly nations. Faithful years these have been and right well has Grandma Smith done her part in the great advancement of the times. Her many acts of charity and universal kindness to all will be remembered and cherished by all the old residents.

Not withstanding the bad roads the attendance at the funeral was large. Several from Elkader and Highland being present attesting the high regard in which she was held by those about her. Funeral services occurred at the St. Mary church Saturday forenoon, Rev. Father Rowe officiating.

The remains were laid to rest beside her husband, Mr. Smith, and her two children, Mary and Patrick, at Cox Creek.

She closed her eyes in sleep to open again in the beautiful home of everlasting happiness, which she received as a reward. All we can offer one another in this sad hour is the sympathy of helpfulness. To her family she has always been a fond, dutiful mother, to the community a true and hearty neighbor and friend.

No one can fill the vacant chair,
Of one so cherished and esteemed.
Her peer we cannot hope to meet,
She has gone, the Lord so deemed.