Devinney, Cornelia J. 1850-1907

DEVINNEY, MCDONALD

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/9/2010 at 13:40:17

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; March 22, 1907

OBITUARY

Cornelia J. McDonald was born near Hampton, Rock Island Co., Ill. Oct. 5th, 1850. She was married to William Devinney Dec. 24th, 1869. She removed with her husband to Poweshiek county in 1871, where she has resided until her death. She passed away on Sunday morning March 17th, 1907, at the age of 56 years, 5 months and 12 days.

This data touches but a few salient points of the life of this good woman. These cannot be remembered but the life of which they tell cannot be soon forgotten. Her parentage was of the noblest kind. The father was a man of marked character and a patriot who gave himself for the defense of the flag and not himself only, but his four sons also. The mother's part in the great conflict, perhaps not as conspicuous, was nevertheless a part which demanded unflinching courage, womanly bravery, and sublime patriotism. These were not wanting in the mother of Mrs. Devinney and were communicated in no small degree to her who has been called from us. Her father died in a hospital during the war, and consequently, the burdens, cares and anxieties of the home pressed heavily upon the mother. But strength was given and the mother lived to be a great comfort to the children in their homes. Little wonder that Mrs. Devinney herself was a patriot, and that her heart was won for life by one who at eighteen marched in line of battle and remained in the ranks until victory was inscribed in the folds of Old Glory.

She has been best known, perhaps in this community as a woman who loved her home intensely, who loved her church sincerely and who loved Christ with a passionate and permanent devotion. She will be missed, sorely missed, in the home, by her friends and in the church. Our loss is heaven's gain. She had seen much trouble. The waters had surged about her but her faith in Christ was victorious and now she rests where sorrows come not and trials are forgotten in the exceeding glory of the presence of the Christ.