Casey, Thomas 1818-1884

CASEY

Posted By: A Haught (email)
Date: 3/30/2015 at 14:29:44

On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 26th, 1884, occurred the death of one the prominent citizens of Cox Creek township, Thomas Casey, aged about 66 years.

Mr. Casey’s death was caused by inflammation of the lungs and hemorrhage, the result of a cold caught during the exciting days following election and the announcement of the final result in New York.

Thomas Casey was born in county Maid, Ireland, in 1818, and came to the United States in 1846, landing in New York on the 10th of November. He remained in the city of New York a few months, and then went to Rochester, securing a farm in the neighborhood. Here, by close attention to his farm, he accumulated a little money, and then came to Clayton county, arriving here about 1854. He purchased 200 acres of government land in Cox Creek township, and by his industry added 120 acres to the original purchase, making 320 acres which he had under cultivation at the time of his death.

Mr. Casey was an ardent democrat all his life and for many years was the leading political spirit in this township. After the last election he was frequently in Elkader to learn the latest news from New York, and the cold rides proved too much for his old age, and undoubtedly caused his death.

On his last visit to this place he asked, “What is the latest news form New York?” On being assured that the empire state had given its electoral vote to Cleveland and Hendricks and that they were undoubtedly elected, he said: “Cleveland is surely elected, and Casey is ready to die.” He went home, and went to bed, never to rise again in mortal garb. May his virtues be emulated and his faults forgiven by all.

Mr. Casey leaves an aged wife and a grown son to mourn the loss of a loving companion and a kind father. The funeral occurred on Monday, Nov. 24th, his remains being laid away to their final rest in the Catholic cemetery at Elkader. Peace to his ashes!

Elkader Register: November 26, 1884