Holley, Mary (Kennedy) 1827 - 1916

KENNEDY, HOLLEY, SMITH

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 12/31/2006 at 11:06:00

Lime Springs Sun Herald Feb. 3, 1916

Mary Kennedy was born in Ireland Oct. 27, 1827, and died in Lime Springs, Iowa, Jan. 27, 1916. She came with her parents to Canada in early life and in 1846 was united in marriage to Alexander Holley. The family was born in Canada and came with them to Black River Falls, Wis., in 1861. Two years later they removed to Lime Springs and settled upon the homestead two miles west of town. Here they lived until the death of Mr. Holley in 1899 when Mrs. holley and Alice moved to town.

Nine children were born to Mrs. Holley, two dying in early life, were buried in Canada. Two sons, John and Robert died in manhood after leaving Lime Springs. Five remain to mourn her departure, with 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Mrs. J. J. Smith lives at Woodbine, Iowa, Alexander in Sioux Falls, S. D., Samuel, in Los Angeles, Joseph, at Timber Lake, S. D., and Alice at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Holley united with the Presbyterian church in early life and were connected with the beginnings of the church in Lime Springs. Alice united with the Methodist church in 1888 and the mother joined with her in 1897 in fellowship in the same church and remained constant in her faith and hope in Christ.

Her failing eye sight and deafness the later years had made her occupation and privilege very limited and her health had not been good for several years, so that friends depaired of seeing her get up, but she as often rallied. She was a woman of strong will and purpose and made her strength measure farther than many could.

Too much sympathy cannot be expressed for the daughter's kindly care and attention during these years even though ministered under great personal burden and affliction.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church Friday afternoon under direction of the pastor, Rev. Caldwell kindly assisting.

Added by Joy Moore April 7, 2021

Cresco Plain Dealer Feb. 4, 1916 P-4 C-3

Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Cray, of Cresco, came up on Friday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Holley.