Mary Cassidy (1923)

CASSIDY

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 11/14/2010 at 15:53:14

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, March 1, 1923
Page 1

After three years of semi-invalidism and suffering, Miss Mary Cassidy died at the home of Dr. R. R. Davisson on Feb. 24th. From childhood, hers was a life dedicated to her family and friends. Sickness, misfortune and death found her a deeply sympathetic and helpful friend and neighbor. Her philanthropic work quietly and efficiently done, brought cheer to many discouraged or needy families. For years she taught a Sunday school class of young girls, who carried the influence of her life and teachings into the homes they established later in life.

Her care for relatives through long periods of illness was lovingly and unsparingly given although her own physical strength was not great. Home making was her job, and to it she brought every bit of her strength and devotion. This was especially true in the part she occupied in the Davisson home for years.

The public library of Winterset was the object of her affections. Beginning with its founding in 1891. Miss Cassidy was librarian and under her care and guidance, it became known as one of the best in Iowa. After 28 years of library work, she resigned in November 1919, when her long illness began.

The Hugh Cassidy family came to Winterset 55 years ago from Zanesville, Ohio, when Miss Cassidy was 20 years old. She is survived by one sister and two brothers.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the Davisson home, conducted by Rev. LeRoy C. Cooley, assisted by Rev. E. B. Chancellor. Burial took place in Winterset cemetery.
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The Winterset News
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, March 1, 1923
Page 1, Column 5

Obituaries

Mary Cassidy

Mary Cassidy, daughter of Hugh and Sarah Cassidy, was born in Lanesville, (sic) Ohio March 19, 1845. She lived in Zanesville during her womanhood and she attended the public high school until graduated.

In 1864 she moved with her parents to Iowa locating in Winterset. She united with the Presbyterian church June 4, 1865 under the pastorate of Rev. A. M. Heiser and she continued faithful until death. For many years she was a Sabbath school teacher keeping in touch with members of her girl’s class until this last illness.

In 1891 Rev. Herring organized the Public Library and during the first year Mary Cassidy began work as librarian in the upstairs rooms on the west side of the square, giving three months of her labor in order to assist in expenses of this undertaking. In a few years the present building was erected and she continued librarian until three years ago when failing health demanded retirement.

In 1903 her mother was called home. Dr. D. D. Davisson and Mrs. Davisson neighbors and friends since 1864 invited Mary to make her home with them. The Cassidy home for many years was on the cite (sic) where the county jail now stands. The home came first but such cares did not detract or affect her library work in all its phases.

She leaves one sister and two brothers besides many friends in the church and community. She passed away at half past one o’clock Saturday morning, February 24, 1923.

The funeral service was held at the residence of Dr. R. R. Davidson Monday afternoon led by Rev. Leroy C. Cooley and assisted by Rev. E. B. Chancellor. Interment was in the Rock City Cemetery.

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