Drew, Katherine (O'Malley ) -- 1829 - 1924

DREW, OMALLEY, LYNCH, CURRAN, CAROLAN, MURPHY, ONEIL

Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 5/13/2005 at 21:13:00

DEATH MRS. JAMES DREW

Beloved Pioneer Mother Passed Away Thursday Morning in Glenwood Township

Mrs. Katherine Drew, one of the well known pioneers of this county, beloved wife of the late James Drew, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 23, at the family home in Glenwood township, death being due to the infimities of old age, she having reached her 95th year.

Katherine O'Malley was born March 27, 1829, in County Limerick, Ireland.

On January 30, 1857, she was united in marriage to James Drew, and to this union twelve children were born, namely: Ann, Mrs. Charley Lynch, deceased: Bridget, Mrs. James Curran, of Decorah: John, of Decorah; Katherine, deceased: Michael, of Madison Twp; James, of Allamakee county; William, of Allamakee:, Maggie, Mrs. Thos. Carolan, of Bonair, Iowa; Mary, Mrs. Thomas Murphy, of Waucoma, Iowa; Patrick, of Madison township, Frank, of Glenwood township, residing on the old homestead; Nellie, Mrs. John O'Neil, of Allamakee county.

The deceased is also survived by fifty-six grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren.

Mrs. Drew was a real christian mother, a true friend and a kind neighbor to all who knew her. She was the mother of a fine family of sons and daughters, who are a credit to her and her memory will always be revered by them, and the host of friends that this good pioneer mother made during her long, christian life here. She was a devout member of the Catholic church and was always faithful to her church and family, and her earthly presence will be greatly missed not only by her devoted sons and daughters but by hundreds of old friends who knew, loved and respected her all these years.
The funeral services were held on Saturday morning at ten o'clock from the West Ridge Catholic church. Rev. Father Lawrence officiated and interment was in the Catholic cemetery. Six of the deceased's grandsons acted as pallbearers.

"MOTHER"
A life that was well lived

With the weight of many years,
The light of her eyes grown dim

With the burden of unashed tears.
No love liken mother's love

It's born of an angel's breath,
It follows us all through life,

It lingers long after death,

Sink to the lowest depths,
Climb to the heights of fame

A mother's heart knows no change.
Her love remains the same,

Cherish her while she is here,
Oft speak the loving word

For the words you say,

When she's laid away,
By her ears will not be heard.

Source: Unknown Obit glued inside of a book.

Second Obit:

VENERABLE WEST RIDGE RESIDENT DIES

On Saturday morning, Oct. 25th, Mrs. Catherine Drew, widow of James, was laid to rest in the West Ridge cemetery. She had attained the venerable age of 96 years and was the last but one of the pioneer members of the parish. Her husband preceded her in death thirty years ago. Born in County Limerick, not far from a century ago, she was left an orphan in infancy, and 67 years ago came to the farm in Winneshiek county where she died. Her husband was one of that little band of Irish Catholics who even before a priest could come to them not more than once a month, hauled rock and sand that they might have a little church in which to attend Mass. And during the two years from about 1865 to 1867 in which the lone mason was putting up the walls, and the one carpenter giving the finishing touches, they attended Mass in the log building on the site where the Waukon cemetery now is, or the old log school building, not far from the present West Ridge church.

In all things Mrs. Drew lived up to the ideals of a Catholic mother. She brought into the world 12 children of whom the ten still living were at her death-bed and she lived to see about her at the last annual reunion, 52 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. Her life was a demonstration of the happiness that comes from love of God, love of work, love of home. May her soul rest in peace.

Source: Unknown Obit glued inside a book.