McGAHN, John 179? - 1899

MCGAHN, MCGHAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/22/2013 at 12:46:49

Elgin Echo, Thur., 7 December 1899.

Allamakee county has lost its centenarian. The Journal says on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the advanced age of 104 years John McGahn of French Creek township, Allamakee county, passed away at his home north of Lycurgus. He came to Allamakee from Galena, Ill., and settled in French Creek along in the sixties. He leaves a son, John Jr., and one daughter, Mary. His health has always been good and his mental faculties were unimpaired up to the time of his death. He was a fine old gentleman, intelligent. kind and neighborly.

---- Submitter is not related.

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Added by Joy Moore 10/18/2020:

Source: Decorah Republican Dec. 7, 1899 P 8 C 5

Death of a Centenarian,
Lansing Journal Nov 29th.—It be­comes our sad duty this week to chron­icle the death of John McGhan, without doubt the oldest man in this part of the state, He was between 104 and 105 years old, and passed peacefully to his eternal rest at his home in French Creek township, Sunday evening.

Mr. McGhan was born in County Derry, Ire­land, and came to this country in the early days. For about 25 years he was engaged in steamboating on the Miss­issippi river and 32 years ago settled in French Creek township on the farm where he died.

He is survived by his son John and daughter Mary with whom he made his home, and to their loving care is undoubtedly due his long life.

He was a phenomenal man in many ways, preserving his intellectual faculties to the last, reading his newspaper without glasses and always taking an intelligent interest in the affairs of his country and county. Of a peculiarly happy disposition, he was the idol of his friends and neighbors. For the past 15 years he has remained closely at home.

Transcriber’s Note: The spelling of the last name differs between the two newspapers. Census records spell his surname McGAHN
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