Mary Stirlen

STIRLEN, MICKEY

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 7/18/2024 at 13:15:30

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, October 29, 1903
Page 1

Fredonia - Mrs. Mary Stirlen's funeral at the M. E. church here October 24 was well attended. No one was so generally known as deceases, as the town scarcely existed before her residence here. She was one of the pioneers, if three of four of the first white children have a title to such. About the time the McCleary boys came into existence, who all acknowledge as the first white children born in Louisa county, is the date of deceased's birth. I heard her father, H. H. Mickey, tell of driving an ox team from Burlington often loaded with groceries and goods for the people in Louisa, and the first death after the Walnut Grove grave yard was selected. Two brothers preceded her to the unknown beyond, one a union soldier, the other, Levi Mickey, at one time our postmaster here. Five sisters survive her. Deceased was neighborly and much respected by a large part of our people. Rev. Kendrick delivered the sermon and conducted the funeral here at 2 p. m. The interment was in the Fredonia cemetery beside Doctor Dill, a former consort.