Foran, James 1844 - 1905

FORAN, FINLEY, CONNELL, MONLUX

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/19/2021 at 18:19:05

Elkader Register, Thur., 23 Nov. 1905.

Sunday evening, Nov. 19th, at about 7:30 o'clock, James Foran passed away at his home in Read twp. He had been ill the past two years of a complication of kidney trouble. He was well aware of his approaching death and had made his preparations. He was conscious to the last, and calling his family about his bedside said "My hour has come." He then asked for prayers and with "God have mercy upon me" from his lips, peacefully sank into the sleep that knows no awakening on earth.

James Foran was born Dec. 4th, 1844, in Queen's county, Ireland. When eighteen months old he came to America with his mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. John Finley, now deceased. They resided in Baltimore until the year 1866, from whence they came to Iowa and Clayton county, settling in Highland twp. On Feb. 6th, 1877, Mr. Foran married Mary Connell, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Connell. They resided in Highland twp. until 1890, when they removed to the family home in Read twp.

To them were born twelve children, eight of whom, with the sorrowing wife, survive, with one grandchild. The children are: Mrs. C. W. Monlux, Boynton, I.T.; Agnes C., Joseph J., James W., Edward T., Francis X., Patrick C., and Matthew D. All the children were home.

Mr. Foran was a man highly respected in this community in which he has resided since his childhood days. His word was as good as a bond, and he endeavored to live and act as a consistent member of the church of his belief. He had held various township offices, clerk, assessor and trustee, in all of which he acted for what he thought was for the best. In his family he was the beloved husband and father, always seeking their comfort and welfare. We can ill afford to lose such men, but it is appointed that all shall die, and as he said "his hour had come." It should be a satisfactory thought to the bereaved family, that he was prepared and had faith that all was well, that he had "fought the good fight."

The funeral was held Wednesday morning at St. Joseph's church at Elkader, Rev. Father J. F. Reilly officiating. The large attendance of friends and neighbors fully attested to the respect felt the departed.

The following served as pall-bearers: Honorary - P. J. Cain, Geo. Losch, Jerry Feeney, Dan Gleason, Jas. Gaherty, J. K. Molumby. Active - Ed Tangeman, Wm. Roach, Frank Niemeyer, M. Rourke, Frank Nugent and Michael Hannon.