Patrick Joyce 1839-1896

JOYCE, OMEARA

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 12/30/2003 at 18:35:52

Saturday morning, at 9:25 o'clock Mr. Patrick Joyce passed to his eternal home. For weeks he has hovered on the border land of eternity and when the call came he quietly passed to the other shore. We presume that the real cause of
his sickness dates back to the time when he erected the brick block which bears his name. During the erection of the building he overexerted himself and since that time his health gradually declined. Last June he quit active business and in the early fall he went to Excelsior Springs, Mo., for his health, but received little or no benefit from the trip. After his return home his decline was gradual but sure.

Mr. Joyce was born at Louisbourg, in the county of Mayo, Ireland, Nov. 16,1839, and had he lived until his next birthday he would have been 57 years of age. At the age of eighteen years he determined to leave his native land and seek his fortune in America. Accordingly he proceeded to Liverpool and set sail, reaching New York City July 13, 1857, after a voyage of two months. A short time after landing he went to Kentucky, where he resided four years, but returned
to New York in 1862 and remained another year. In 1863 he moved to Lansing, Ia., where for several years he was engaged in business. In 1871 he came to Palo Alto county and entered upon a business career at the old town. In the fall of 1874 he moved his business over to the new town and by close attention to business soon built up a large and lucrative trade. In 1890 he erected the large three story brick on the site of his old store, and continued doing business in it until last June, when he retired from active business.

Mr. Joyce was married to Miss Ellen O'Meara at Lansing, June 21, 1868, and to them has been born four children-two sons, William and Joseph who survive him and two daughters who preceded him to the better land.

Mr. Joyce was a man who always took an active interest in everything that tended to advance the welfare of Emmetsburg and her citizens, and was always willing to lend a helping hand in every good cause. He served a number of
years on the city council and was chosen mayor in 1884. He was strictly honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men, and sought the same integrity in others that he himself possessed. In his death Emmetsburg loses a respected and honored citizen, the community, a kind, neighbor; and the church, an earnest,
prayerful citizen.

The home life of Mr. Joyce was certainly an ideal one, and it was always open to his many friends. His hospitality knew no bounds, and on many an occasion his home was open to the young people, and they always found a hearty welcome from him. His death is a hard blow to his faithful and loving wife and to his two sons who are called upon to mourn the loss of a fond parent.

The funeral took place Monday morning and was the largest one ever held in the county, there being over 200 teams in the procession. It left the residence at 10 o'clock and was headed by carriages containing 24 of the prominent citizens, who acted as honorary pall bearers. These were followed by the city council and then the A.O.H. in a body, who acted as a guard of honor. The sad procession solemnly wended its way to Assumption church where the services
were held. Here in the presence of the large assembly solemn requiem high mass was celebrated, Rev. J.J. Smith as celebrant, assisted by Fathers McInery, Kelly and Costello. The sermon was delivered by Father Carroll, of Ruthven, in a very impressive manner. After the church services the people sadly followed the
remains to the cemetery where all that was mortal of Patrick Joyce was laid to rest.

source: Palo Alto Reporter; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; May 29, 1896

FYI- I am not related.

Irish in Iowa
 

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