Sarah Lonergan was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, February 22, 1846. Coming to this country at the early age of 15, she settled in Iowa City, where she spend her girlhood days. In February, 1867, she was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Pierce Wall. Father Smyth performed the ceremony. This grand old couple journeyed on together for almost 50 years when the Grim Reaper called the wife to her reward.
Mr. and Mrs. Wall settled on a farm in Cedar county, near the Solon mission, where they have since resided. These worthy pioneers toiled hard and endured the many hardships common in those days. Mrs. Wall proved a worthy helpmate to her husband, her one ambition being to bring up their children to be devout Catholics and good citizens.
Her beautiful mother love with all its purity and unselfishness endeared her in the hearts of her children. No sacrifice was too great, no hardships too severe to endure that they might profit. Her home was her shrine and she was always happiest there.
Her illness was characterized by that wonderful patience and resignation found only in a noble and beautiful character like hers. She will not only be missed by her aged husband and her children but by friends innumerable. Her warm Irish heart was always ready to help a friend, her home a haven of rest to every one because of her unfailing cheerfulness and hospitality.
The bereaved children left to mourn her loss besides her aged husband are Sister M. Angeline, Peoria, Ill.; Mrs. Wm. Eckrich, Cosgrove, Ia.; Thomas, John E., Morse; Mrs. Dr. Russell Ft. Dodge; Frank, Gettysburg, S.D.; Mrs. Cyril Droll, Riverside, Ia.; Margaret and Pierce, at home. One daughter, Mrs. M. H. Donovan, preceded the mother in death twelve years ago.
The funeral was held from her home in Nolan Settlement, interment being made in St. Bridget cemetery amid a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends. Father Mahoney conducted the funeral services, and Rev. John Lonergan of St. Louis, a relative of the deceased, gave a beautiful and touching sermon.