Donaher, James 1847-1927

DONAHER, SCHWARTZHOFF, FITZGERALD, RYAN, WHELAN, DEVINING

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/17/2017 at 12:16:02

Grand Old Man of Dorchester Answers Final Call

James Donaher died at the home of his daughter Mrs. C.J. Schwartzhoff in Waterloo twp. Aug. 29, 1927, aged 80 years, 1 month and 23 days.

Deceased was born in County Limwick, Ireland, July 6, 1847. At the age of five he came with his parents to Canada. Six years later the family came to Allamakee County, Iowa, settling on a farm in Waterloo twp.

They endured all the trials and hardships of the early settlers, but with the true determination of the people of that time, made a home and prospered.

He was married to Ann Fitzgerald of Hanover twp. in 1871. She preceded him in death sixteen years [ago]. To this union fifteen children were born, two dying in infancy. Johanna and Peter died several years ago and the eldest child Thomas C. died six years ago.

The surviving children are: Mrs. M. Ryan, Mrs. C.J. Schwarthoff, Mrs. H.T. Schwartzhoff, Joseph, Mrs. W. Whelan, Mrs. M. Devining, all of this county; James of Caledonia, Minn.; Patrick of Detroit, Mich.; Sister M. Clemacus of the Sisters of Mercy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Michael of Minneapolis. There are fifty-two grandchildren and six great grandchildren who mourn his loss.

During his long illness he was tenderly cared for by his children and grandchildren and was comforted by their presence and the Sacraments of his Holy Church.

The funeral was held Aug. 31 at St. Mary's Church, Dorchester. A solemn High Mass was celebrated by the pastor, Rev. J. Mullin, assisted by Fathers Stuart, McNamara and Reynolds, after which he was laid to rest by the side of his dear ones in St. Mary's cemetery. The pallbearers were six of his grandsons, Howard and Marcel Donaher, Emmet Ryan, Harold, Francis and Emmet Schwartzhoff. The Mass servers were four of his younger grandsons, Clarence and John Schwarzhoff, John Joseph and Robert Donaher.

Words of praise are unnecessary in his case. Would to God there were more people as ready to lend a helping hand and do a deed of charity as he. As husband, father, friend and neighbor he held few equals. The great crowds of sympathizing friends that thronged to pay their last respects to him bare silent testimony of his worth.

May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

~The Witness; Dubuque, IA; Thursday, September 8, 1927 (Around the Archdiocese column)