Joseph A. Kean 1817-1904

KEAN, MEEK, WILLIAMSON, BARBER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 9/27/2001 at 05:33:42

MR. JOSEPH A. KEAN.
OBITUARY SKETCH.

Joseph A. Kean, one of the pioneer settlers of southeastern Iowa, died at his home in Bonaparte on Friday, Aug. 5, 1904, aged 87 years and 27 days. Deceased was born in Beaver county Pennsylvania, July 8, 1817. He moved with his father's family to Ohio in 1824 and from there to Michigan in 1836.

He came to this state when it was a part of the Wisconsin territory in April 1838 and visited his sister, Mrs. Johnson Meek. In May of the same year he came to Bonaparte where he has made his home for sixty-six years.

He was married to Miss Elizabeth Williamson at the home of William Cassidy in Bonaparte April 8, 1841. To this union seven children were born, three sons and four daughters, of whom one daughter and three sons preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn their loss his aged companion and three daughters, Helen and Emily who are at home, and Mrs. G. W. Barber of Libertyville, Iowa, and one grandson, Harrie J. Barber of Libertyville.

When he was eight years of age he was baptized into the Presbyterian church and was a firm believer in the principles of the Christian religion. For nine long weary years he was a constant sufferer and was often heard to say that "he longed to depart and be with Christ which is far better."

He was an effectionate [sic] husband and father having a strong attachment for home and family. He was an obliging neighbor and good citizen.

The funeral took place from the late home on Sunday, August 7, Rev. J. H. Taylor of the Farmington M. E. church officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest with the honors of the Masonic lodge of which he had been a member for forty-two years. The beautiful floral tribute attested to the hugh esteem in which he was held.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.