Owen O'Connor

Tama County Democrat, Toledo, Iowa 15 Oct. 1908

Owen O'Connor was born in county Kerry, Ireland, May 24, 1847. He emigrated to America in 1862 and settled first in Lexington, Ky. there he met and married Miss Mary Shinners who survives him. Eight children came to bless their union. Two are dead. The living are John H. of Columbia township, Mrs. Johanna Ribby, James, Mary, Margaret, and Nora of Otter Creek. All were present to console their mother in her bereavement.

Forty years ago the family came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Otter Creek township. Here the widow still lives. Here through thrift and economy they gained a living, raising and educated their children, enlarged their farm and made substantial improvements thereon. They were of those hardy pioneers of whom Bnyard Taylor said, "In making the desert blossom like a rose." It was a happy famnily circle from which the father is now taken.

Last Thursday God called him. Living an earnest Christian life, he was ready for the Great Summoner. May the judgment he has passed be what our mortal estimates lovingly hope it was. Mr. OConnor's illness was of short duration, hence the summons of the death messenger was unexpected. Time is said to heal all wounds, but the time will be longer, the memory of his kind, cheerful ways fades from the minds of his sorrowing family.

He was a devout member of the Catholic church, a helpful companion, a kind father and a good neighbor. Many are the tokens of respect shown by his friends during his illness and at the funeral. The floral offerings were very beautiful.

Rev. Father Carrol conducted the funeral services. The requiem mass was most solemn. The "Miserere" rose plaintively, beseechingly from the choir.

The Pall bearers were Robert Coughlin, Daniel Coughlin, Patrick Kearney, William Cummings, Patrick Hamill and Alexander Ribby. During the Mass the choir sang "nearer my God to thee," the large congregation kneeling in prayer. The remains are interned in the Toledo Catholic cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Submitted by: John Feeley (jtfjr111@hotmail.com)