Chauncy O'Kelley (1850-1895)

OKELLEY, ANDREW

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/4/2012 at 12:43:04

Maquoketa Excelsior, April 5, 1895

OBITUARY

CHAUNCY O'KELLEY-

Chauncy O'Kelley died at his home near Marion of pleuro-pneumonia, March 26, 1895. Mr. O'Kelley was born in Canada in 1850. Soon after, his parents, John and Susan O'Kelley, removed to Wisconsin, and when Chauncy was in his teens, he came with his parents to Jackson County, Iowa, and lived near Monmouth until three years ago, when he rented a large farm five miles east of Marion, where in a cemetery near his home, his body now reposes, and will until God shall say arise.

Mr. O'Kelley was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Andrew about 22 years ago. Nine children were given to them, six boys and three girls, all of whom are living to mourn his loss. From a family of six children, only one sister, Mrs. John Wood of Monmouth, survives. In 1879 Chauncy was converted in Phillips County, Kansas, and united with the Evangelical Methodists, but in the years after united with the Methodist Episcopel Church in Monmouth, Iowa, and remained a consistent member until his death.

The writer attended the funeral at the brick church near the home of the deceased. A large and sympathizing congregation gathered to pay their respects to a kind neighbor, loving friend, and a Christian gentlemen.
"Why should we mourn for dying friends
Or shake at Death's alarms.
Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to his arms."

G. A. A.