Conley, Julia (Doran) 1841 - 1915

PHELAN, CONLEY, DORAN, SKINNER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/2/2022 at 14:34:46

Register and Argus, 12 Aug. 1915.

On Monday night, August 2nd, 1915, at 10:50 the Angel of Death entered the home of Patrick Conley, in Volga township, and chose as his victim Mrs. Conley, beloved wife of Mr. Conley. She had been in unusual good spirits during the day and even remained later than usual chatting with her dear ones. Suddenly an attack of the heart seized her, and before the family physician could be called, her soul accompanied that Silent Messenger to that unknown realm from whence no pilgrim ere returned.

Mrs. Conley's maiden name was Julia Doran. She was the beloved daughter of Patrick and Katherine Doran, of Castle Cumber, and was born at Rath Kyle, County of Kilkenny, Ireland, May 8, 1841.

Her father came to America in the spring of 1847 and enlisted in the Mexican War on Govenor's Island, N.Y., and was buried at Ft. Duncan, Tex., in 1849.

In the autumn of 1848 Mrs. Conley, then 7 years of age, came to the United States with her mother, and here the father met them on the "stern and rock-bound coast" of the United Colonies. In 1849 they moved to Iowa by way of the Great Lakes and Stage Coach Line through Milwaukee and Prairie Du Chien.

January 9th, 1857, she was united in marriage to James Phelan. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father Lynch in the Catholic Church at Holy Cross, Dubuque County. To this union seven children were born: Patrick, Mary, Katherine, John, Michael, Thomas and William. Three of these now mourn the death of their loving mother: Patrick Phelan and Thomas Phelan, of Volga township, and Mrs. Mary Skinner, of Oakland, Cal.

About a week prior to Mrs. Conley's death, her daughter, Mrs. Skinner, arrived and pleasantly surprised her home folks.

Mr. Phelan died January 26th, 1876, Mrs. Phelan was united in marriage to Mr. Patrick Conley, of Volga township. To him, also, she proved a loving and devoted wife. To this union four children were born, one daughter and three sons, all of whom preceded her in death excepting Michael Conley, who still lives at the old home and who, with his father, helped the mother in her duties at home.

Rev. Father Minogue, her pastor officiated at the burial on Thursday, August 5th, from the church to the Catholic cemetery at Elkport.

The flower-laden casket was conveyed to the grave by her four grandsons, James, Steven, Leo and Clarence Phelan, assisted by Edmund Curran and Joseph Downey.