McDermott, James J. 1843 - 1917

MCDERMOTT, FARRY, JOHNSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/10/2021 at 15:59:55

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 25 Oct. 1917.

James J. McDermott was born in the County Monahan, Ireland, in the year 1843, and died at his home in Cox Creek township, on Tuesday morning, Oct. 16th, 1917, being 74 years of age at the time of his death.

In the year 1848 his parents emigrated to America, settling in Ohio and remaining there until 1854 when they came to Iowa, settling in Cox Creek township, he being a boy at that time of 11 years of age, and with the exception of a few years in his young manhood working in Wisconsin and attending an Academy, this has been his residence ever since. On February 8th, 1869, he was united in marriage to Julia Farry at McGregor, Iowa. To this union were born nine children, eight of whom and his estimable wife are left to mourn his loss, namely, Thomas H., living at Meridian, Idaho; Lawrence, at Denver, Colo.; Edward, at Chicago; Mrs. W. E. Johnson, At Elko, Nev.; John, Emmett, and Katherine, at home. Coletta, who was called home from Idaho, will remain with her mother. One son William preceded him in death seven years ago.

With the exception of about three years in which he was engaged in the mercantile business at Osborne, his occupation has been that of a farmer in which he has been eminently successful. He also taught school during the winter months many years ago. The writer of this article had known J. J. McDermott ever since we were small boys, and of him we can truthfully say that he was a model man in every respect and not given to vices which we usually find in every day life. He was always industrious and contented with his lot, even in adversity, he always looked on the bright side of life. The funeral was held Sunday at Sacred Heart church, Cox Creek, Father Casey officiating and paying a glowing tribute to the life of the deceased. It was one of the largest funerals ever held at that church and shows the esteem in which he and his family are held. The children were all present. The pall bearers were his four sons, his son-in-law, W. E. Johnson, and nephew, F. A. McDermott, of Luverne, Minn.

A good man has gone to his reward. May his soul rest in peace.