McCartney, Robert d. 1897

MCCARTNEY, DOBBIN, WILSON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/6/2005 at 19:03:28

The Newton (IA) Record 21 May 1897
Obituary of Robert McCartney
McCartney, Robert

May 15th, 1897, Robert McCartney departed this life, aged almost 76 years. He was born in Columbia Co., Pennsylvania. When a mere lad his parents moved to Jasper County, Iowa, where he lived until death called him to depart.

By him three wives have been mournfully laid away in the tomb. Early in 1850 he married Miss Jane Dobbin of Hancock Co., Va., who departed this life Feb. 6th, 1853, in Ohio. In 1859 he was married to Miss Martha Jane Wilson who died Feb 6th, 1863. Sept. 14th he was married to Mary S. Wilson, whom he followed to the tomb, August 1888. Since that time he and his son J. J. McCartney, the only surviving member of his family, have been making the journey of life alone.

Soon after his arrival in Jasper County, in 1861, he prepared him a home in Palo Alto Township which until January 1897, (almost 36 years) was his resting place when he moved to Monroe to join his son J. J., who had gone into business at that place. In the very prime of life he lost his sight to such an extent that for 30 years he has been unable to read and for a long time has been almost totally blind. The loss of his sight was a very sore calamity to him or so it seemed when he first realized his condition as he had a longing desire to become a minister of the gospel, yet trusting in the Lord and believing that his steps would be directed by Him who will never leave or forsake, he was again happy. Having for many years been a Ruling Elder in the United Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, his remains were brought to that church and the funeral held there, conducted by the Rev. John Ferguson, pastor, assisted by the Rev. Gibson, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Monroe.

It was a sad yet joyful funeral, joyful for the reason that they mourned not as those without hope. Farm work for the time seemed to be almost wholly laid aside, the farmers coming to attend the funeral to such an extent that the church was filled and many were the tears shed as they viewed for the last time the remains of one who for many years had instructed in the bible class (at one time or another) the great majority of those present. We saw the children, the middle aged and the aged with faces bathed in tears. In the midst of all his trials he was ever rejoicing, knowing that justified by faith he was a t peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ and knowing full well that the Lord doth not afflict willingly or grieve the children of men. He was glad and in life he found something in which to rejoice.

Although the funeral services were held in Palo Alto, the remains were laid away in the Newton Cemetery by the side of two of his wives, his first wife having been laid in the tomb in Ohio. His long life being Christ-like was worthy of imitation.

Originally submitted on Sat Jul 27 14:57:46 2002