Tyrrell, William H.

KENNEDY, LUCA, FICHTHORN, FLETCHER, PARKER, VANDERVEER, MCFARLAND, MARTIN

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/6/2010 at 10:09:31

William H. Tyrrell has long been identified with journalistic interests in Bremer county as editor and owner of the Republican of Waverly, the office of which he entered as an apprentice at the age of fourteen years. For sixteen years he has discharged the duties devolving upon him as postmaster of Waverly. His birth occurred in McHenry county, Illinois, on the 26th of December, 1840, his parents being Edward and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Tyrrell, natives of County Carlow, Ireland. The father, a stonecutter and mason by trade, emigrated to the new world in early manhood, locating first in the province of Quebec, Canada. Thence he removed to the state of New York residing first in Troy and later in Rochester and subsequently made his way to Illinois. Edward Tyrrell was employed on the construction of the Welland canal. In 1853 he came to Bremer county, Iowa, preempted land in Lafayette township and devoted his attention to farming until the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He enlisted as a private of Company G., Ninth Iowa Infantry, and won promotion to the rank of first lieutenant. He was killed on the field at Vicksburg, before the siege began, thus laying down his life on the altar of his adopted contry. As incumbent in the office of justice of the peace he had made a creditable and commendable record. His widow remained a resident of this county throughout the remainder of her life, passing away in 1903.

William H. Tyrrell, the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, acquired his education in Waverly at a time when the schools here embraced only the primary and intermediate grades. When a youth of fourteen he entered the office of the Republican as an apprentice and at the end of two and a half years began working as a jorneyman printer in Waverly offices, also spending about a year in Missouri. In 1873, he became part owner of the Independent, his associate being Captain Lucas, while a short time afterward Daniel Fichthorn became his partner. At the end of six months in the latter relation he severed his connection with the Independent and purchased a half interest in the Republican, his partner being James Fletcher, who in 1883 was appointed United States consul to Genoa, where he died. Mr. Tyrrell became sole owner of the paper at that time and has since conducted the same independently. He personally supplies all copy for his jornal and superintends all business transactions connected with its publication. The Republican is an interesting as well as instructive sheet and enjoys a large subscription and advertising patronage. Mr. Tyrrell is half owner of the building in which his office and plant are located, this being one of the principal structures of Waverly and the only exclusive office building in the city. He likewise owns residence property and is a stockholder in the sugar factory and in the Fortner Hotel of Waverly. His business record is most commendable, for it is one of steady advancement and continued success that have come as a result of his sound judgment, perseverance and able management.

Mr. Tyrrell has been twice married. In November, 1874, he wedded Miss Flora Parker, a native of Rockford, Illinois, who passed away in November, 1876. They had one child, Jeannette, who is now the wife of Guy O. VanDerveer, cashier of the State Bank of Waverly. On the 16th of May, 1883, Mr. Tyrrell was again married, his second union being with Miss Addie McFarland, a native of Warren, Illinois, and a daughter of Peter and Mary J. (Martin) McFarland, who removed from Warren to Rockford, Illinois, where both passed away. To William H. and Addie (McFarland) Tyrrell have been born five children, as follows: Elizabeth, a linotype operator, who assists her father; Helen, at home; Edward, who also assists his father in the publication of the Republican; Donald, attending school; and Agnes, who is yet under the parental roof.

In his political views Mr. Tyrrell is a stanch republican and edits his paper in the interests of that party. He has served as a school director and was a member of the city council when all the electic light and sewerage systems were installed in Waverly and street paving was begun. At the present time he holds the office of postmaster. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Andrew's Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Tyrrell Lodge, No. 116, A.F.& A.M. He also acts as treasurer of Willow Lawn Lodge, No. 628, I.O.O.F., and is a member of Herdman Lodge, K.P., and the Modern Woodmen of America. The period of his residence in Bremer county covers six decades and his name is known and honored everywhere within its borders. His career is a signal instance of the power of hard work and determination in the making of a successful man.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914