Iowa
Old Press
DeWitt Observer
DeWitt, Clinton, Iowa
Friday, April 15, 1887
Death of an Octogenarian
The death of Mrs. Anna Langan, widow of James Langan and mother
of Dr. D. Langan of DeWitt, Mrs. Daniel Logan of Center Grove,
Bernard, Hugh and James Logue [sic] of Vail, Mrs. Anthony Maltsey
and Mrs. James Costello, of Crawford county, occured at Vail,
Saturday, April 9th, one o'clock p.m., of old age. Deceased had
been in feeble health for a long time. The remains arrived here
for burial on the 8:30 train Monday morning, accompanied by the
Rev. M.C. Linehan, her pastor, and the members of her family
residing there, and were taken to St. Joseph's Catholic church
where a solemn requiem high mass celebrated, Rev. M.C. Linehan
acting as Celebrant and Rev. J.J. Garland, of Center Grove, as
Deacon; Rev. Father Ward, of Clinton, sub-Deacon, and Rev. Father
O'Dowd of Ceep Creek, Master of Ceremonies. After mass Rev.
Father Linehan preached an elegant discourse on the
"Uncertainty of Life," and commented at length on the
life and character of the deceased, with whom he was well
acquainted as her Spiritual adviser. The emains were then taken
to the Catholic cemetery where they were laid to rest beside
those of her husband, who died in 1874. A large concourse of
friends and acquaintances followed the remains to the grave. Miss
Anna Sweeny was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, in 1805,
and the time of her death was in her 83d year - was married to
James Langan in 1825, emigrated to America in 1852, and settled
in Chester county, Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1857,
removed with her family to Clinton county, Iowa, and settled in
Center Grove, where she remained until 1871, when they became
residents of DeWitt. In 1874, on the death of her husband, she
moved to Vail, and made her home with her sons, Hugh and James,
where she remained until the time of her death. Deceased was a
faithful wife, and affectionate mother and an exemplary christian
and highly respected and esteemed by all who knew her. Requiescat
in peace.
-- If you want your watch, clock or jewelry repaired in a
workman-like manner, call on E.D. Buckley, first door south of
opera house, DeWitt.
-- JAS. A. SMITH, the celebrated horse-shoer and fine workman
generally, is now busy manufacturing the much-called for Gopher
Shovel- the best corn plow shovel in any market. He sold a large
number of them last year, and the general verdict is, "Best
shovel made."
Personal Mention.
- Miss Lizzie Elliott will teach the Centennial school in Eden
township.
- J.S. Risley and wife left here on the early Monday morning
train for their Dakota lands, there to spend the summer.
- Mrs. Eunice Lum is home again after five months' absence,
spending the winter with her sister, Mrs. Ryan, at Monmouth,
Jackson county.
- On Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Bissell observed the 50th
anniversary of their wedding, and a large party of "old
folks" gathered to celebrate the day.
- Miss Nellie Flannery resigning her position as teacher in the
DeWitt school, Miss Barber was promoted to the vacant place, and
Miss Adelia Reilly was elected to Miss B's place in the primary
room.
-It has been officially advertised in the Catholic church that
John Donigan, a worthy young man clerking for Wallace Bros. and
Miss Nellie Flannery, are to be joined in wedlock.
- Master Louie Williams spent Saturday with his aunt, Mrs. Julia
Gelston, and little cousins, of Welton. And on Monday Mrs.
Gelston visited with her sister, Mrs. Edwin Williams, of our
town.
- Walter Page has purchased the confectionary, news and
restaurant stock of Geo. E. Myers, on east side of Jefferson
street, and will increase the already well selected and very
saleable commodities. Mr. Page is a first class young man with
much ability and business tact, and will without a doubt make
business hum.
- Married, at the home of Hon. Jas. D. Bourne and wife, at 3 p.m.
April 13th by Rev. L.W. Bicknell, George H. France, of Des
Moines, and Miss Nannie T.A. Bourne. The party consisted of
relatives and a few personal friends of the contracting couple.
Of those from a distance were Mrs. Little, of Ames, sister of Mr.
France, and her two daughters, and F.J. West, also of Ames. The
presents were many, some of them being $100 to the bride from her
father, a gold watch and chain from the groom to bride, etc. Mr.
and Mrs. France left on the 6:01 evening express for their Des
Moines home. Best of wishes from our people follow them.
- RAIN is needed. The streets are dusty, and the sprinkler is in
use.
- W.E. BEARD has a few choice varieties of strawberry plants for
sale. Call soon.
- The rush for new MILLINERY at E.E. Jacobs's speaks well for the
popular trimmer, Miss Mary McCoy.
- CON BOYLE is now conducting the bakery and confectionary
business for himself and invites a share of trade.
[transcribed by C.J.L., April 2007]
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DeWitt Observer
DeWitt, Clinton, Iowa
Friday, April 22, 1887
LONG GROVE [Scott Co.]
- Joe Nebitch is painting up his house.
- We will have some musicians in this neighborhood in a few
months, if they work. Mr. J.C. Sands, of Davenport, is giving
them music lessons. Mr. Sands thoroughly understands his
business. He is getting up an instruction book on an entirely new
plan of his own. He expects to have it ready in a few months.
- The wells are nearly all dry in this neighborhood and unless
some rains come soon, it is going to be a serious matter. As we
write it clouds up and soon passes away again, acting precisely
as it did last summer during the severe drouth.
- G.w. Curtis and famiy have driven to Davenport today to deliver
produce and by more new goods.
LOW MOOR
- Mrs. Wm. Gullick, of Westside and Mrs. H.S. Gullick of Dennison
are visiting old friends here in this vicinity. H S G and family
are about to move to Wisconsin.
- Seven persons united with the Methodist church here Sunday.
WELTON
- John Copenhafer, who was called to Princeton, Ill. by the death
of Mrs. C's mother, came home Saturday.
- John Donigan, of DeWitt, who was married on Monday, was a
resident of this township for many years, and we wish a happy
voyage through life.
- M. Donigan of western Iowa, arrived on Saturday to visit and
attend his brother's wedding.
- Fishing seems to be the principal occupation these evenings.
- E.C. Hinkley shipped a car load of hogs on Tuesday. Price $5.
[transcribed by C.J.L., April 2007]