Mrs. John A. Kennedy

KENNEDY, GRACE, CALLAHAN, DREW

Posted By: G. T. Flynn
Date: 9/24/2012 at 14:13:07

Death of Mrs. John A. Kennedy. One by one like the falling leaf of autumn,doth the great reaper Death remove from our midst those around whom has bloomed the sacred, fragrance of our love and attachment, and they go down to the lone couch of their everlasting sleep 'mid the tears of the loved ones left behind. Such a one was Catherine Kennedy who after years of patient suffering laid down the burden of this life to take up the crown of a glorious immortality. And well earned it was, for her life was one of love for all humanity; possessing a heart filled with the grace of a great,charity, her hand was always open to help the poor and needy and by kind words cheering the hearts of the despondent.She was truly a noble christian woman around whose memory will cling the rare fragrance of good deeds and noble acts.
Mrs.Kennedy was born in the county of Kerry,Ireland in 1821. Therefore at her death was 61 years old. When a child she emigrated with her parents to New Orleans, and in 1840 was married to John A. Kennedy who survives her. In 1842 she accompanied her husband north to Iowa, and the same year they, pioneers settled in Whitewater township, Dubuque county where she resided continuously up to the hour of her death, August 10th, 1882, a period of over 40 years, therefore ranked among the very early settlers of the county.Surviving her are husband and seven children, four girls and three boys, who deeply mourn the loss of an affectionate mother. Of her daughters one is married to Patrick Grace,of Vernon township, another to Michael Callahan of Prairie Creek township, and the to Christopher Drew and Miss Sarah A. Kennedy both of Whitewater township. Three sons; Joseph and Tobias are married and residents of Whitewater township, while William J. is a resident of Imogene, Fremont county Iowa. Her husband John A. Kennedy,is well known throughout the county as a highly esteemed citizen and his many friends throughout the same sympathize with him in his deep affliction.
The funeral from the home occurred on Saturday to the Holy Family Church by a large concourse of friends and relatives. The requiem High Mass was sung by Father Bernard McCoffrey. There in the shadow of the noted Monastery they laid her cold form away in the silent tomb to remain until"The last trumpets wondrous sound shall thro' the rending tombs rebound, and wake the nations under ground".
Mrs.Kennedy was preceded in death by one daughter,Mary in 1864 and one Son John T.Kennedy in 1864.
Cascade Pioneer Aug.17,1882