McCabe, Matthew P. 1842-1925

MCCABE, WEIR

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Alton Democrat (11-20-1925)

Born: September 2, 1842
Died: November 13, 1925

MATT MCCABE; IOWA PIONEER; PASSES AWAY--SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP HOMESTEADER DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS AT SHELDON HOME

Matthew McCabe, pioneer farmer and stockman, one if those splendid men of the early days who forged ahead in spite of all the hardships and trials that beset our earliest settlers: grasshoppers, drought, prairie fires, blizzards and hurricanes, passed away at his home in Sheldon on Friday, November 13 at the age of 83 years, from the ailments due to his advanced years.

The old settlers of Sioux County all knew Mr. McCabe who homesteaded 80 acres in Sheridan Township, coming in 1875 and later bought more land just across the line in Lyon County which his homestead adjoined. Since the early days he was noted for his big herds of cattle which he would gather together and drive into Minnesota or South Dakota where feed was more plentiful, and the place, which is now farmed by his son, Matthew McCabe, Jr., is still famed for its big herds of fattening cattle.

Matthew McCabe was born September 2, 1842 at Hartland, Illinois in the early year of 1855 his parents moved to Fountain, Minnesota, and Matthew, of course, accompanied them to their new home in what was then comparative wildness with a plentiful supply of Indians, no railroads, no marketing facilities and few neighbors. After they had been there for a year his father died and upon Matthew, aged 14, was thrust the responsibilities of the farm. He was the only surviving son and assumed the position of head of the family. On September 15, 1886 he was married to Miss Hannah Weir and seven years later they moved to Sioux County, Iowa, homesteading the farm in Sheridan Township upon which they lived since until their retirement in March, 1919, when they moved to a home in Sheldon.

Not withstanding the hardships of early days Mr. and Mrs. McCabe raised a large family and four children survive to mourn the passing of their beloved father, all respected citizens of this section. They are: Mrs. P. L. Curtis of Hull, Mrs. Michael Gossen of Rock Rapids, Mrs. Frank Buren of George and Matthew McCabe, Jr., of Boyden. The children who preceded him in death are Mary McCabe, Rose McCabe, Mrs. E.H. Rudloff and Theresa McCabe. Besides their own children Mr. and Mrs. McCabe took upon themselves the responsibility of raising several of Mrs. McCabe’s nephews, Matthew and Arthur Weir, both of whom live at Sheldon. Arthur being in the McCabe home at this time.

Funeral services were held Monday morning November 16, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Sheldon. Reverends McCormack of Sheldon, Dollard of Rock Rapids and J.A. Roder of Alvord officiating at Requiem High Mass. Burial was at the Catholic Cemetery at Hull where other members of the family who preceded him beyond rest. A large concourse of friends and relatives attended the last rites, The Alton Democrat joins with a host of friends in extending sympathy to the bereaved family in their great loss.