OMeara, James Sr. 1844-1928

OMEARA, GAFFNEY

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 3/5/2013 at 15:45:04

Hawarden Independent of Nov 8, 1928
James O'Meara Sr., a Civil War veteran arid pioneer citizen of Sioux county, passed away suddenly late Wednesday afternoon at the Gladstone hotel in this city, following a stroke
of apoplexy. Mr. O'Meara had not been feeling as well as usual for the past week but his condition had in a way been regarded as alarming until he was suddenly stricken. He lived
but a brief time after he suffered the stroke.

James O'Meara was born at Mobile, Ala., Feb. 22, 1844, and passed away at Hawarden Nov. 7, 1928, having attained the advanced age of 84 years, 8 months and 15 days. He came to Iowa in 1846 when but 2 years old, his parents settling in Jackson county. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 24th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the Civil War when he received an honorable discharge. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Julia Gaffney and this union was blessed with three children.

Mrs. O'Meara died in the fall of 1873 and two daughters also preceded him in death. In October, 1872, the family came to Sioux county and Mr. O'Meara filed on a homestead in Washington township, nine miles southeast of Hawarden. He made his home on this farm for many years but due to advancing years came to Hawarden about seventeen years ago since which time he has made his home at the Gladstone hotel. He is survived by one son, J. E. O'Meara Jr., who has continued to occupy the old home farm. He also leaves sixteen grandchildren.

James O'Meara was of sturdy pioneer stock. When he came to Sioux county there were but very few families, residing between. Calliope and LeMars, and all shared the hardships of pioneer life alike. There was real neighborliness in those days and the O’Meara home was one where the traveler always found a hearty welcome. These early pioneers were all drawn together by common interests and it was but natural that a man of Mr. O'Meara's nature should attract and hold many lifelong friends among whom there is widespread sorrow at his sudden death. Mr. O'Meara was reared in the Catholic faith and remained a loyal and devout adherent to his church throughout his long and eventful life.

Definite funeral arrangements have not yet been made.