John McKeag 1842-1922

MCKEAG, CLELAND, PUTNAM, HUBBARD, COHN, BLAIN, MIKESELL, BUFRIS, RUTHERFORD

Posted By: Marilyn Norris Holmes (email)
Date: 5/16/2008 at 06:09:13

Montezuma Republican, Thurs., Feb. 23, 1922

SHORT ILLLNESS ENDS IN DEATH
LONG TIME RESIDENT PASSED AWAY WEDNESDAY
John McKeag Came to Montezuma in the Early Days. Funeral Was Held Friday

John McKeag, for many years a resident of this community died last Wednesday at his home north of Montezuma, following an illness of several weeks. He had been failing in health for the past several years, but until a few weeks ago was able to get around.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home conducted by Rev. Frerking. Burial made in the Montezuma cemetery.

John McKeag, son of Patrick and Sarah Cleland McKeag, was born in County Down, Ireland, February 28, 1842, and departed this life at his home in Pleasant township near Montezuma, February 15, 1922, at the age of nearly 80 years.

In his young manhood he came to America and for some time worked at Preemption and Rock Island, Ill., then came to Poweshiek County where he lived for over 50 years.

December 25, 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Helen Putnam. To this union eight children were born, five sons and three daughters. One son died in infancy and one daughter, Mrs. Ella Hubbard died in May, 1917. Mrs. McKeag died January 15, 1904 and September 1905, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma Conn. To this union two sons were born.

Mr. McKeag was one of the pioneer farmers of Poweshiek County, was industrious and capable and will be missed by the people of Montezuma where he has lived so many years.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, two daughters: Mrs. Fred Blain of Thornburg and Mrs. Chas. Mikesell of Deep River; six sons, William of Hartwick; Albert of Deep River; Bert and Ben of Montezuma; Robert J., Clifford D.; and one step-son Roy Edward at home, also twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. One brother, David, living in Ireland and two sisters, Mrs. James Bufris of Montezuma and Mrs. W.J. Rutherford of Grinnell, besides many other relatives and friends, also survive. The family and relatives have the sympathy of all in their sorrow.

When a youong man before coming to America he united with the Presbyterian church, but did not transfer his membership to the church in America.

NOTE: Mrs. Emma "Conn" (surname actually is Cohn), b 31 Oct 1881-d 11 Apr 1967. Her first husband was Joseph Cohn. Son Roy Edward Cohn who later went by McKeag. After John McKeag died, Emma married Elver Bernette Norris.