Mrs. Bridget Naughton 1839-1914

NAUGHTON, SHERIDAN, TIERNAN, CONNERAN, FREYER, KEARNS, CUNNINGHAM, MAHONEY

Posted By: Melissa Mayhew Grandt (email)
Date: 4/15/2009 at 05:41:58

Williamsburg Journal-Tribune, Williamsburg (Iowa Co.), Iowa, 22 January 1914.

MRS. BRIDGET NAUGHTON.
Mrs. Bridget Naughton, one of the pioneer women of Fillmore, died at her home in Parnell, Saturday, Jan. 10th, 1914, at 4:30 o'clock p.m., aged 75 years. She leaves to mourn her death, her husband, Mr. John Naughton, five sons and one daughter, the latter being Mrs. E.B. Sheridan, of Parnell. The sons are: Wm. J., the editor of the Advertiser, Michael F., John P., James L., and Thomas H. Naughton, all residents of Parnell and vicinity. Fourteen grandchildren and four sisters are also bereaved. The sisters are: Mrs. Catherine Tiernan, Parnell, Ia.; Mrs. Ellen Conneran, Mrs. Bernard Freyer and Mrs. Josephe Kearns, of New Jersey.

Mrs. Naughton was stricken with paralysis about four years ago, and later sustained a second stroke. The third visitation came on Wednesday, Jan. 7th, and she remained unconscious until the end. She was the recipient of every care and attention that the solicitude of loved ones could suggest; but her illness was fatal, and no human power could prolong her life. She passed away fortified by the last sacraments of the Catholic church, of which she had been a devout and pious member all her life.

Bridget Cunningham was born in Creggs, Co. Galway, Ireland, in 1839. She came to this country in 1861, and on March 2nd, 1867, was married at Red Bank, N.J., to Mt. John Naughton and to them were born six children, all surviving to mourn their great loss. The young couple came west soon after their marriage and settled near Charlotte in Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1867. Eight years later they came to Iowa county settling in Fillmore township, one mile west of the present site of Parnell.

Here they lived until they retired from active labor, building a find home in Parnell, where the remainder of her life was spent. The written or spoken word could not do justice to the beautiful character of this noble woman. She was all that a grand wife and mother should be. Her home was always happy; and she was idolized by all within that charmed circle. Her children were firmly grounded in the priciples of honor, virtue and integrity, and grew up an honor to the parents and the community. She was sincere, hospitable and kind, and no weary wanderer ever went empty handed from her door. She was singularly light hearted and cheerful,, and the visitor to her home felt the glow of geniality of that happy atmosphere.

Her ambitions sacrifices and toil were centered in her home. There she was richly repaid in love for her efforts for the loved ones. She was faithful, pure and true in every relation in life, and no more devoted follower in His service did an Omniscient God call home.

Her multitude of friends in Iowa county will mourn the loss of this grand character, and tender their deepest sympathy to the bereaved.

The funeral occured Monday, Jan 12th, at St. Joseph's church, Parnell. Rev. Father Jas. F. Mahoney celebrated a high Mass of Requiem, assisted by the choir. The floral tributes of sympathy were many and very beautiful. A congregation which packed the sacred edifice, was present to pay a last tribute of love and respect to one they loved in life. At the conclusion of the church services the remains were laid away in St. Joseph's ccemetery. -----Marengo Democrat.