Alfred J. McDermott 1851-1934

MCDERMOTT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/9/2024 at 12:32:33

Alfred James McDermott
(May 4, 1851 – April 11, 1934)

Obituary
A. J. McDermott, a resident of Lohrville for over 50 years, passes away at his home in Lohrville at 10:30 o’clock Wednesday evening, April 11, 1934, at the age of 82 years, 11 months, 7 days. He was born on a farm in Peoria County, Ill., May 4, 1851, and obtained his common school education in the country schools of Illinois. In 1869, at the age of 18, he was married to Mary Griffin at Chatsworth, Ill. To this union were born seven children – Mrs. Senora Squires of Farnhamville, Mrs. Fred Schneider of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. F. J. Wyth of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. Sylvia Hodgins of Chicago, T. O. and L. G. McDermott of Lohrville. One son, Alfred, preceded him in death Oct. 1, 1899. Mr. McDermott started farming in 1871 and continued for eight years, after which he built and operated a hotel in Kempton, Ill. He moved to Calhoun County in 1880, purchasing a quarter section near Lohrville, to which he later added many other fine farms. During the 14 years that he farmed near Lohrville, Mr. McDermott also conducted the Union Township Stock farm, specializing on Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. During this time he also filled various public offices as road district supervisor, school director, and trustee of the Calhoun County Fair association, which then had its headquarters in Rockwell City. Appointed postmaster in 1893, Mr. McDermott served four years under Cleveland’s second administration. In 1894 the family moved to town and Mr. McDermott organized a real estate and insurance agency which he conducted for many years, later selling the business to the Commercial Savings Bank.
On May 4, 1899 Mr. McDermott was married to Miss Mary E. Lockner of Lake City. To this union were born three children, Vera (Mrs. C. H. Brown), Kenneth and Verda, all of Lohrville. The Commercial Savings bank was organized by Mr. McDermott in 1907 and he had been its president since that time. Under his management it grew from a small institution to its present size and strength. During Mr. McDermott’s long years of residence here he had contributed much of his time, energy, and material wealth for the advancement and betterment of the community. In public service he served three terms as mayor, three terms as school board director, had acted as trustee of the Methodist church, trustee of the I.O.O.F. lodge here, held membership in the I.O.O.F. camp at Lake City, the Canton branch of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Carroll, and the local I.O.O.F. lodge. He was also a supervisor in the Mystic Workers Lodge and foreman of the Yeoman lodge. Included in his business activities were memberships in the Lohrville Business Men’s association the Home Investment company, Farmers’ Elevator company, stockholder in the Security State Bank of Rockwell City, and in the Commercial Savings Bank of Lohrville. Mr. McDermott was left alone at the age of six to fight life’s battles and in his early youth did not have an easy time. When he came to Calhoun County in 1880 there were many hardships to overcome, but he shouldered his full share with enthusiasm. There were no good roads and few bridges. Lumber for all buildings had to be hauled from Manson and coal from the Des Moines river mines near Fort Dodge. When the Chicago Northwestern line was built he helped haul railroad ties for the new road and later bridge timbers for the narrow gauge road, now the Milwaukee. Mr. McDermott was successful by reason of his own efforts, perseverance and ambition. When he set himself to a task he saw it through to the finish. In his business transactions he was said to always maintain his agreements or promises and he never undertook an obligation that he could not fulfill. More son, perhaps, than any other person, he had played an important part in the business life of the town of Lohrville from the time of its beginning in 1881. Surviving Mr. McDermott besides his widow and children are 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist church on Saturday afternoon with the Rev. Richards in charge. The body was taken to the repository at the Schlininger funeral home in Jefferson until its committal in a mausoleum to be erected in the local cemetery. Relatives and friends from out-of-town included Mrs. John McCarty and son, George, of Larchwood, Mr. William McCarty and son William, of Perry, cousins of the deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leat and daughter, Hazel, of Scranton, Rev. and Mrs. C. V. Hulse of Algona; Mr. Sylvia Hodgins of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schneider of Cedar Rapids; Mr. O. E. Griffin of Iowa City; Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Wyth and daughter, Barbara, of Minneapolis; Mrs. Harry Reamer of Audubon; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Batie of Lake View; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lockner of Lake City; H. Lockner of Bensonville, Ill.; Lloyd Roberts of Iowa City. Source - Rockwell City Advocate & Calhoun County Republican, Rockwell City, Iowa, Thurs., April 19, 1934, p.4