Connell, Patrick 1820 - 1892

CONNELL, TEHAN, FORAN, FITZPATRICK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 2/21/2023 at 18:53:28

Elkader Register, Thur., 08 Dec. 1892.

Patrick Connell, whose death occurred at his home in Read township, in this county, on the morning of the 02nd instant was born in Kings county, Ireland, in the year 1820. He emigrated to this country in 1846, landing in New Orleans; came to Iowa in the spring of the same year, without means, save a brave heart and a rugged constitution. Relying on these gifts of nature, he began the struggle for existence as a day laborer, working at whatever his hands could find to do, that was honorable and remunerable. He was first employed by a Mr. Post, after whom the town of Postville, in Allamakee county, was named; remaining in his employ about five years, after which he served in the employ of H. M. Rice, of St. Paul, who was indian agent at that time. On leaving Rice he came to Elkader, and assisted by his labor in erecting the flouring mills, and by the time they were completed he had saved sufficient of his earnings to buy a farm in Read township, and to build thereon a log house, which in those days was considered comfortable. He was married in 1850, taking for his life partner Miss Sarah Tehan. Seven children being the fruit of this union, five of whom are still living, three boys and two girls. One of the girls is the wife of Mr. James Foran, of Read township, the younger being Mrs. Matthew Fitzpatrick, of this city. The boys are single, one residing in Wisconsin, one in Nebraska, the other in Colorado.

The deceased was a man of many excellent traits of character, generous and warm hearted. He was a truthful man, a promise by him was regarded as sacred and was rarely broken. That he had faults 'tis true. He would have been lonely here without them, but he had many redeeming qualities which endeared him to his friends and those who knew him best. His life was not a failure, in a financial way it was a success. For several weeks before his death whenever his wife would be absent, he would spend the evening with his daughter, Mrs. Foran, who lived but a short distance from him. The day preceeding his death he spent in choring and caring after things in general at his own home; ot his own supper, and in company with a neighbor enjoyed a hearty meal, after which he said that he would not go to Foran's that night but would stay at his home, at his own fireside. He retired for the night and went to sleep. "God's finger touched him and he slept." the sleep of death.

His funeral took place Sunday, his remains being laid to rest beside those of his two deceased children in the Catholic cemetery at Garnavillo, followed by a large number of friends and acqaintances. May he rest in peace.