Michael Lynch

LYNCH, SULLIVAN, TUCKER, SCHOTT

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/12/2018 at 09:13:24

29 November 1917 - West Branch Times

Michael Lynch, who lived one mile west of the Cedar Valley church in Gower township, died Sunday night, Nov. 18th, at 11 o'clock. His burial took place on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Joseph's church, Cedar Valley. The requiem mass was said by Father Knebel, who also pronounced the last absolution and gave the funeral sermon. The choir, with Mrs. W. T. Gatens as organist, sang some appropriate hymns during the mass. Every pew in the church was filled with relatives and friends of the deceased.

His remains were laid to rest in the family lot in the cemetery adjoining the church. His six nephews acted as pallbearers--John Lynch of Oklahoma, Dan Lynch of Alliance, Neb.; Jeremiah Lynch of Hills, Ia.; Eugene Sullivan of Marengo, Ia., and T. F. and D. C. Lynch of Cedar Valley.

Michael Lynch was one of the pioneers of Gower township. He was born in Ireland 76 years ago. He came to the United States at the age of 22 and made his home in Gower township until the day of his death. Two years after he arrived in this county he was married. His wife died after a few years of married life, leaving three small children. Two of these, Margaret and Daniel, are living in Chicago, Ill., the other, Jeremiah, died at the age of 21.

Mr. Lynch was married again in April, 1883, to Catherine Tucker. She preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 1914. To this union were born ten children, all living to mourn their father's death except one child that died in infancy. The children who survive are: James and Mrs. Ben Schott of Hills, Ia.; Michael T. of Gower township, Mayme, Gertrude, Cornelius and Francis at home, and Genevieve and Regina of Cedar Rapids, Ia. He also leaves one brother, Daniel, of Cedar Valley, and one sister, Mrs. John Sullivan, of Marengo, Ia.

In the death of Mr. Lynch another of the sturdy pioneers of Cedar county is gone. Until within about a year of his death he had enjoyed good health. About a year ago he contracted a severe case of the grip, from which he did not fully recover. Then other complications set in that caused his death. He was known as a quiet and reserved man, yet his home was always a welcome place for his friends to visit. Being a man who loved his home his joy and happiness was to be with his family, and now that he is gone none can feel his loss so much as his devoted sons and daughters. Being a hard working man he provided well for his family and by good management and industry he acquired a large farm and had a splendid home at the time of his death.

Mr. Lynch was a practical Catholic and his exemplary life in every way proved that he was guided by the teachings of his church.

In the death of Michael Lynch his children lose a most kind and good father, his friends lose a kind hearted neighbor and the community loses an honest and upright citizen.

Those who attended the funeral from a distance were: John Lynch of Chickasha, Okla.; Daniel Lynch of Alliance, Neb.; Eugene Sullivan, Mrs. Daniel Sullivan and Anna Sullivan of Marengo, Ia.; Jeremiah Lynch, James Lynch and family and Ben Schott and family of Hills, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, Con Gatens and Bridget Tucker of Iowa City and John Worral and family of Solon.