Elizabeth Williamson Kean 1822-1907

WILLIAMSON, CASSIDAY, KEAN, BARBER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 2/26/2012 at 12:59:42

Faces We See No More, Nor
Loving Voices Hear
DEATH'S LIST IS LONG
Mrs. Elizabeth Kean

Elizabeth Williamson, daughter of Frances and Eva Williamson, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1822. When she was 8 years of age her father's family moved to Indianapolis, Ind. where they resided until she was 16 years old. In the fall of 1838 they came to Iowa and settled on a farm 3 miles east of Bonaparte, and the home has since been made in this vicinity.

On April 8, 1841, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cassiday, the latter a sister of the bride, occurred the marriage of the person in question to Mr. J. A. Kean, whose arrival in this section dates a few months prior to that of the bride. This marriage concerns the local history of Bonaparte in no small degree, being the first to be solemnized in this section and especially in the settlement then known as Bonaparte.

As there was no minister to be had R. W. Willoughby, a justice of the peace, united them in marriage and for 63 years they journeyed this life as one, meeting the tribulations with loving assistance from the other, and at the close of the eventful lives, but a few months separated them.

The guests present at this marriage were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cassiday, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Charlton, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Meek, Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Willoughby, A. H. Woods, Clemmons Woods, J. H. Bell, S. P. Ray, J. W. Smith, Isaiah Meek and sister Miss Jane, Wm. Bringham, Mrs. Wm. Welch and daughters Sarah and Caroline, Miss Sarah Williamson, Miss Sarah Stone, Miss Matilda Judd and Russo King, the two latter being the bride's maid and best man to the happy groom. These comprised almost the total inhabitants of the settlement.

Seven children blessed the union, four of whom died in infancy, three sons and one daughter. Three daughters grew to womanhood, Nellie M., Emma and Carrie. Carrie was married to Rev. G. W. Barber on Nov. 28, 1871, and died June 25, 1906, leaving one son, Harrie J. Barber. Nellie, Emma and grandson survive her. Her husband died August 5, 1904.

Mrs. Kean was a member of the M. E. church, having united under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Coleman 63 years ago, and through all these years she has lived a consistent christian life, enjoying to the last day of her life the assurance that all was well and died in the triumphs of a Christian faith.

She also leaves two sisters and one brother to mourn for her, beside those mentioned above.

She died at her home in Bonaparte Monday, Jan. 7, 1907, aged 84 years and 11 days. The services were conducted at the home by Rev. Jones of the M. E. church, Thursday at 2 p.m. and interment was made in the cemetery here.

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