Michael E. Sweeney

SWEENEY, LEAHY, KENNELLY

Posted By: Nicki <nickiflinders@hotmail.com>
Date: 2/11/2008 at 15:47:18

In the passing of Michael E. Sweeney, who died at his home on July 8, 1915, O'Brien County lost one of its oldest settlers.

Mr. Sweeney was born in Kells, County Meath, Ireland in May 1830. He came to America when a lad of sixteen, first settling in Pennsylvania. He soon realized the many opportunies that the West held out for young men, so he came west as far as Darlington, Wisconsin where in the fall of 1860 he was married to Miss Bridget Leahy.

Seven children were born to this union, all of whom together with his wife survive him. The children are Thomas J; James A; William H; John E; and Miss Julia Sweeney all of Sutherland, Iowa; Sister M. Serphia, a Sister of Mercy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Mrs J. Kennelly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 1872 together with his wife and little family he came to Iowa, locating in O'Brien County, six miles east of Sutherland, on the vary farm where he lived at the time of his death. The county at the time was bleak, wild, prairie, but blessed with good health and a strong constitution, he was able to bear the real hardships connected with pioneer life. His good example will be missed by many as he was a devout Christian all of his life and this community mourns the lost of one of its oldest and most-highly respected citizens.

The funeral services were held at the Catholic church here in Sutherland last Saturday morning, conducted by Father Maynard. As a mark of esteem in which the deceased held a crowd which taxed the capacity of the church assembled to pay their final tribute of respect and followed the remains to its last resting place in the Mt. Calvary cemetery.

Sutherland Courier July 15, 1915

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