MEEK, Mrs. Mary Ann (KING): 1838-1907

KING, MEEK, STEBURG, WEBER, CRESAP

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/21/2013 at 08:18:18

Mrs. Mary Meek.

Mary Ann King was born in County Galway, Ireland, June 23, 1838, and died at her home in Bonaparte, Iowa, October 24, 1907, aged sixty-nine years, four months and one day.

She came to America in January 1850, landing at New Orleans, and settled in Van Buren county the same month. In this county she lived all the remainder of her long and useful life.

November 2 1856, she married Joseph Meek. Her husband was for a number of years of the Meek Bros. firm, Isaiah, Robert, and Joseph having formed a partnership for the purpose of operating woolen mills, etc., at Bonaparte. Joseph Meek departed this life October 31, 1900.

Following were the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Meek: - Elizabeth (Sister Borgia) of Milwaukee; Mrs. Kate Steburg of Miller, Nebraska; Mrs. Mary A. Weber of Keokuk; Robert Meek of Bonaparte; Margaret Meek of Keokuk; Mrs. Percy Cresap of Ft. Madison; and Miss Allie Meek who died in September, 1901. She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Maggie King of Keokuk and one brother, Michael J. King of Sonora, Mexico, both of whom were present during much of her illness and in attendance at the funeral. Sister Borgia of Milwaukee and Mrs. Steburg of Nebraska were unable to attend the funeral.

Aunt Mary Meek was one of the very best women that ever lived in Bonaparte. Her life was such that she scarcely could have had an enemy or a person who will remember her unkindly. To the sick and unfortunate she was a friend; in time of death she was a comforter and ever present help; her words of consolation and her purse were always ready for the homes where they were most needed. She has been gradually becoming enfeebled during the past few months and was unable to enter the doors of her acquaintances and bring with her words of cheer. There are many, very many in this community who will miss her kind voice.

Funeral services were held at the home Saturday morning at 10 o'clock and were conducted by Father Dunnion of Keokuk, with burial in the Bonaparte cemetery beside the remains of her husband.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 158, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA

2nd Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA