Ironton, Missouri IRON COUNTY REGISTER ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: llgro@juno.com ==================================================================== May 2, 1901 -page 4, columns 2 and 3 Obituary Elizabeth Sweeney Death has again visited our community and has taken an aged mother, a neighbor and a sister in Christ. Elizabeth Sweeney was born in Virginia July 7, A D, 1802. Grandma Sweeney came to Missouri in 1816, and was united in the holy bond of matrimony with John Sweeney, near Caledonia, in Washington County, Missouri, at the age of eighteen years. Of this union nine children were born --seven boys and two girls-- of which five boys have preceded her to the better land. Her husband died in the army, in the Mexican war, about fifty-six years ago. Grandma Sweeney departed this life about 6 o'clock on the evening of the 9th of April 1901, aged 98 years, 9 months and 2 days. Of her life I will say she was a member of the M. E. Church (south) about eighteen years. During her illness the writer had a talk with her about heaven. She assured me she was ready and willing, and wanted to go. As her relatives and friends gathered around her bedside she told them she was going home. Yes, going home to where all the good people that have died have gone. During her last hours she was continually calling her father, mother and children who had gone on before. She seemed to be looking and searching for them that had been gone so long. She leaves four children, together with a host of grandchildren and friends to mourn their loss. Some of her descendants have been brought into the church and they are bright and shining lights. My prayer is by this dispensation of the providence of God all may be brought into the fold, and then we can all say that our loss is heaven's gain, and we will meet mother and grandmother in a world that, free from pain and death, God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. By request, services were held at Bro. and Sister S. Flowers, after which her remains were taken to Pleasant Valley church and her funeral preached by the writer from the text. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." After memorial services and closing hymn, "I'm going home to die no more", the remains were taken to the Eidson cemetery followed by a host of relatives and friends and ther laid to rest to await the morning of the resurrection. We feel safe in saying that if she could have had strength in her last hour she would have said, in the language of the poet: All is well with me,children Though sadly you mourn For your dear old mother, By death from you torn. But the hand that afflicted me Will kindly sustain Though parted at present We'll soon meet again. Oh, grieve not for me, My toils are all o'er. Earth's sorrows and changes Can pain me no more. But the many moments On earth to me given Are changed to eternal Enjoyment in heaven.