Keegan, Catherine (Mrs. James), 1835-1916

KEEGAN, SHEEHAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/18/2016 at 20:30:35

From the Alton Democrat, April 1, 1916: Rock Valley news:

Mrs. Catherine Keegan (nee Sheehan) died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Loura, in Rock Valley March 27th, due to old age. The deceased was born in the county of Limrick, Ireland September 13th, 1835, and at the time of her passing was 80 years, 6 months and 14 days old. When but a girl of fifteen, she emigrated with her parents to America about the year 1850 and located at Kenosha, Wis., where she grew to womanhood.

In 1852 she married James Keegan at Kenosha, Wis., whose marital relations were pleasant and their life was one of intense activity. She was the mother of nine children, several died in infancy, except her son Michael, who preceded her to the spirit world about two months ago. Three survive her, namely, James Keegan, Mrs. Julia Hayden, and Mrs. Mary Loura, all of Rock Valley.

In 1856 they came to Lyon, Ia., where they resided for a period of seventeen years. From there they moved to Petersville, where they lived for fifteen years, and in 1886 they came to Sioux county and located on a farm northwest of Rock Valley and endured hardships, privations and sacrifices incident to those days. She was bereft of her husband in 1895, and since that time has found a home among her children, who kindly and tenderly cared for her and ministered to her every want as far as practicable in the decline of her life. She retained the keenness of her intellect until but a few days previous to her death. She was a devout member of the Catholic church.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Catholic church Wednesday morning, conducted by Rev. Father John O'Rielly. Her remains were shipped to Petersville, Ia., accompanied by her son, James Keegan, and grandson, Raymond Keegan, for interment by the side of her companions. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of their many friends in their hour of sadness.

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The Rock Valley newspaper is missing for this time period.