Husband of Sarah L. Davis. Son of John Mackie and Janet McFayden.

OBITUARY

THE CHARITON LEADER
Chariton, Iowa
Tuesday, September 16, 1930

CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIED MONDAY AT RUSSELL

Matthew Mackey, son of John and Janet Mackey, was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, October 28, 1847, and departed this life at his home in Russell, Iowa, September 8, 1930, aged 83 years, 10 months and 10 days.

He came to this country with his parents when but a small child. His father followed coal mining in the old country, consequently the family settled in Pennsylvania, the center of that industry upon coming to this country, but later moved to a farm in Illinois near Galesburg, where he grew to manhood.

He was a civil war veteran, enlisting when but 18 years old with 155th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, returning to his home in Illinois, remaining there for five years, when he came to Wayne county, Iowa, near Confidence, where, he lived for several years.

He was married to Sarah L. Davis, of Confidence, Iowa, on September 19, 1871, and had he lived 11 more days, they would have been married for 59 years. To this union were born ten children, all of whom are living, John W. Mackey, of Solano, New Mexico; Robert T., of Jones City, Oklahoma; Mrs. Daisy Gookin, of Ottumwa; Mrs. Goldie Spencer, of Lacona; Mrs. Sadie Stafford, of Nevada; Mrs. Nettie Aston, Mrs. Winona Teater, Mrs, Pearl Latham, James and Edgar, all live near here.

Mr. Mackey spent his earlier days in the mines and preferred that work to any other, but wishing a different occupation for his boys, he bought and moved to a farm north of Bethlehem, where he lived until he moved to Russell where he lived until death claimed him.

He was a hard worker and made a success of both mining and farming. For several years after moving to his farm he worked mines near Confidence during the winters. He strove to give his family the best that life afforded and no sacrifice or toll was too great to accomplish that end. He has been in retirement for several years on account of physical disability, but did the little chores around the home as long as he was able.

He was an honest and upright citizen, a great lover of his country, knowing its history as few men of limited educational advantages would. He read much and always had the best books and papers of the day were to be found in the home. Many evenings, when the children were gathered around the fireside, he would read aloud, with comment, and many were the lessons learned in citizenship, long before it was studied in school.

He was also a great lover of music, especially of the old hymns. He united with the Baptist church of Bethlehem some 35 years ago. Several weeks ago he expressed the desire to pass on, and realizing he was nearing the end, he chose this scripture as his funeral service text: "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." He also requested the hymn, "We are Going Down the Valley."

He leaves to mourn their loss, a loving wife, who has cared for him tenderly for years, 10 children, 22 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, also three brothers, David, John and Ezekiel Mackey, of Williamsfield, Illinois, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Willet, of Norwalk, Iowa, and their families. Three grandchildren preceded him to the better world.

Funeral services were held from the Christian church in Russell on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. D. McClure, and interment was made in the Russell cemetery.

Obituary courtesy of Charles M. Wright