Leary, George – 1845-1909

BERRY, GANT, LEARY

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 6/15/2017 at 11:22:12

Death of George Leary
The funeral of Mr. George Leary was held last Thursday morning, at nine o’clock at the Catholic church, conducted by Father Tracy. The interment was made in the Catholic cemetery west of town.
Mr. Leary’s death occurred on Tuesday evening, February 2nd. He had been in very poor health for the past two or three years during which time he had been retired from active duties. He was in bed only a little over a week. The wife and children knew that the end was not far off, sent word to the members of the family who were away, and in response the two daughters, Minnie of Des Moines and Mrs. Kittie Gant, of Springfield, Ill., came and were with their father when he passed away. The other members of the family were so far away that it was impossible for them to come.
George Leary was born in Malone, New York on March 16, 1845. He came to Newton in 1871 and was married in 1873 to Miss Ellen Berry, of this place. Nine children were born to this union, seven of whom are living. They are: Minnie of Des Moines, Mrs. Kittie Gant of Springfield, Ill., William of Smithville, Texas, who is a railroad man, Max and George, who are teaching in a Catholic school in the Indian mission at St. Xavier, Montana, Joe and Margaret, who are at home. Besides the wife and children, the deceased is survived by three grandchildren.
Mr. Leary was a member of the Catholic church and lived a life consistent to the faith. For 17 years he was janitor of our public school buildings, retiring only three years ago because of failing health. In this capacity he won the respect of all for the manner in which he did his work, and it was with reluctance that the school board released him when he made of them the request. His family was always well provided for and his death will be most mourned by them to whom he was a faithful husband and father. They will have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
Source: Newton Journal; February 10, 1909