Farrell, John 1830 - 1910
FARRELL, DUGGAN, EAGER
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/19/2019 at 12:26:06
Elkader Register and Argus, 14 Apr. 1910.
John Farrell, who has been a resident of Read and Boardman township for over half a century, died Monday afternoon at his home west of town, aged over eighty years. He had been sick for some time.
The funeral was held yesterday, services being held at St. Joseph's church, Rev. Reilly officiating, after which the remains were taken to Garnavillo for interment. The services were largely attended by sympathizing friends of the family.
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Elkader Register and Argus, Thur., 21 Apr. 1910.
John Farrell died at his home in Boardman township at 3:15 p.m., April 11th, 1910.
He was born June 24th, 1830, and was nearly 80 years at the time of his death. He was a native of Kings Co., Ireland, Parish of Shinroan. In 1860 he left his native land and mother and started out alone to find a home for himself; his destination was the new world, across the ocean. At that time hearsay was all that was known of the wonders of this new world. He landed in New York in May 1860 and went to Brooklyn, where he worked a while and then came to Clayton county, Iowa. He worked in Farmersburg township three years. In Sept. 1864 he was married to Bridget Duggan at Garnavillo, with whom he lived a long and happy wedded life 36 years. His companion preceded him in death on Jan. 14, 1901. The young couple located on a farm in Read township, and lived there 18 years.
March 4th, 1883 he moved on a farm in Boardman township, where he lived until the time of his death. To them were born eight children: John, at Milwaukee, Wis.; Tom, at Carroll; James, at Rapid City, S.D.; Mrs. Estella Eager, at Mitchell, S.D.; Edward, Frank, Julia and Marie, at home.
Deceased was a man of many excellent traits, of character, generous and warm hearted. He was a truthful man, a promise by him made was regarded sacred and never broken; of a kind disposition, a good neighbor, a true democrat, having a cheerful word for all. His home was known far and near as a place where hospitality reigned supreme and everyone was always welcome; no neighbor ever wanted a favor or met with affliction that did not find there in that home true Christian sympathy and assistance. And thus has passed to the beyond another of the pioneers of Clayton county, one who lived here fifty years a successful farmer and honored citizen, a true indulgent father. From boyhood he was a faithful communicant in his Catholic faith and his life is proof of an earnest devotion, for he lived as he died, true to his faith, fully assured of his reward due for the service rendered unto Him here on earth. As it were, he wrapped the mantle about him and laid down to pleasant dreams. A good man has passed through the shadow of death. May his soul rest in peace. Coming to the county in the infancy of its creation, Mr. Farrell had very little to do with, yet he marked out his own career, making good use of the time allotted him. A hard worker, he built to a purpose and was rewarded for his toil in the accumulation of interests that enabled him to spend a few years of well spent life in comparative comfort and ease.
The funeral was held from St. Joseph's church Wednesday morning at ten o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. F. Reilly, who spoke words of highest esteem. The services were very largely attended by old neighbors and friends from far and near who came to pay their last tribute of respect. May his soul rest in peace. The pall bearers were, John Molumby, John Neylon, John Monahan, Michael Cunningham, James Geraghty and Frank Liddy. Those from abroad were: T. H. Barrett of Castalia; L. C. Wareham, Will Sanbrouth and John Moser of Strawberry Point; and John Whittle of Littleport.
His remains were taken to Garnavillo for interment, followed by a number of his old friends.
"Father dearest, thou hast left us,
And with thee our joys have fled.
A place is vacant by the hearth
None other e'er can fill.
His precious words of hope and cheer,
His tender loving care.
What sacred memories cluster here
Around his vacant chair.
Oh, 'tis hard to think our father,
Good and kind and true is dead."
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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