Mary T. Spalding Keating 1811-1893

KEATING, BEYMER

Posted By: Shirley (email)
Date: 4/4/2008 at 21:14:25

Afton Enterprise
Nov. 16, 1893

DIED—At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. G. W. Beymer, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1893, at midnight, Mrs. Mary T. Keating, aged 82 years, 1 month and 20 days.

Mary T. Spalding was born in South Thomaston, Maine, Sept. 18, 1811; was married to Wm. Keating March 29, 1832. The moved to Ohio in 1837 and from there to Iowa in 1858. Mr. Keating died in 1879. Three children were the result of their union—Joshua, Henry and Bethia, now Mrs. G. W. Beymer. The family have always been prominent in the affairs of Afton and figured conspicuously n the early history of the county. One of the sons Joshua has long been a leading business man here. Henry (deceased) after whom the local G. A. R. Post and Corps was names, made a good record as a soldier and was a man universally beloved. Mrs. Beymer, and her gifted husband during his life, won the highest esteem of all by their many good deeds. In addition to the children names, Mrs. Keating adopted two girls who she raised. One is now dead and the other is Mrs. C. G. Delmege, of Longmont, Colo.

The deceased lady and her entire family have been noted for their interest in public affairs, their love of literature, their high mental accomplishments and the steadiness with which they have advocated all that tends to ennable mankind. Mrs. Keating wrote several poems which deservedly rank high as literary efforts. Personally, she was highly esteemd and counted the entire population of Afton among her friends. Her death is deeply regretted, but the surviving relatives have the consolation of knowing that her many years were spent in doing good and that she leaves behind her the impress of her noble work. Grandma, as she was famililarly called, was stricken with paralysis early last spring, after which she was unable to speak, although her mind seemed clear. The funeral was held at the residence of Mrs. G. W. Beymer and was largely attended.