Posted on: PaloAlto County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/PaloAltoObits/598 Surname: Keenan, Jennings, Sheehan, Brogham, Hand, Clate ------------------------- Catherine O'Brien (1841 - 1923) Mrs. Murray Passes On Aged Lady, Old TimeResident Dies at the Ripe Old Age of 80 Years. Nov. 11, 1923 Mrs. James Murray died at her home in Great Oak township at midnight on Thursday Nov. 8, after a prolonged illness. She had been confined to her bed since July 20th. Her son and her granddaughter, Miss Mary Keenan lived with her and cared for her. Funeral services were conducted at the Assumption Church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Monsignor P.F. Farrelly officiating. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. Miss Catherine O'Brien was born in the county of Cork, Ireland Oct.1841. She came to America with her parents when she was five years of age. (1846) They lived in New York for a time and then moved to Morrison, IL. Here she grew to womanhood. She united in marriage with James Murray at Bloomington, IL, in the fall of 1857, when only 16 years of age. To this union seven children were born, three sons and four daughters. Two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Jennings and Mrs. Ed. Keenan preceded their mother in death. The other daughters Mrs. P.H. Hand and Mrs. P.J. Clate and the three sons, James of Armstrong, John and Ben Murray survive their parents. Mr. Murray died in 1875, on August 11th. Mr. and Mrs. Murray came to this county (Palo Alto) fifty-two years ago. They were among the early pioneers. Mrs. Murray was left with the care of the family when they were very young. She was diligent and never thought of shirking duty toward thm. She had an unfaltering faith and had confidence in her own ability. In the way she managed to provide for her children and raise them to manhood and womanhood, and besides this she adopted and raised three other children, Frank Murray, Mrs. R.F. Sheehan and Miss Mary Keenan. Deceased was a good Christian woman, doing her best at all times, being fair with others, honest, honorable and charitable. She lived to ripe old age and died, loved and honored by her family and friends. Besides her children, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. David Brogham and her three adopted children, and many grandchildren. To them all the Tribune extends sincere sympathy.