Michael J. Spain

SPAIN, KENEDY, MCKENNA, CONROY, BRITT

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 7/24/2011 at 23:44:20

Wolfe's History of Clinton County, Iowa, Volume 2, Biographical Sketches, pages 989, 990, 991, 992

MICHAEL J. SPAIN

Among the prominent farmers and early settlers of Clinton County, Iowa, mention must not be omitted of Michael J. Spain, a man of such correct habits and methods that he would doubtless have succeeded in whatever locality he desired to cast his lot, coming as he did from a sturdy northern family who were not accustomed to be discouraged at difficulties or obstacles. He was born in Lower Canada, September 29, 1846, but he has spent the major part of his life in Iowa, having been brought here when five years of age. Here he grew to maturity and was educated in the common schools, having been reared on his father's farm, which he helped to clear and develop, attending the pioneer schools, which were taught three months each winter. He is the son of Cornelius and Margaret (Kenedy) Spain, both natives of county Tipperary, Ireland, where they grew to maturity and were married and where they began life on a farm. The left the emerald Isle for America in 1815, landing in New York City, soon afterward going to Troy, that state, where they remained one year, then went to South Bend, Indiana, where they remained one year, then to Canada. There Mr. Spain bought land which he improved and continued to reside there over twenty years, having a good farm and a comfortable home. In 1851 he sold out and came to Chicago, Illinois, later went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Not liking Wisconsin, after visiting various parts of the same, he crossed the Father of Waters, reaching Dubuque, Iowa, in June 1851, but a few days later went to Minnesota, where he sought a location, but not liking the country, he came to Clinton county, Iowa, in the fall of 1851 and bought five hundred acres, erected a log house and soon had some of his land in cultivation. In due course of time he had a large and well improved farm, being very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser, hauling his products many miles to market and enduring many privations incidental to pioneer life. At that time there was not a physician in the county, but the settlers understood the use of herbs and "home remedies."

Politically the first vote of Cornelius Spain was cast for Mr. Buchanan in 1856. He was at first inclined to support the Whig party, but in 1856 joined the Democrats, to whom he remained faithful. He was a well informed man on current events, and while he used his influence for the party he never aspired to public life, though he filled some of the township offices. He was a worthy member of the Catholic church. He liked to be neighborly, although when he first came his "neighbors," were about twenty miles distant. he was always ready to help those in need in any way, and he was, indeed, a strong, useful man in his day, and was highly regarded by all who knew him. His death occurred on the old homestead in October, 1867, at the advanced age of eighty-six years; his widow survived until 1884, dying when about the same age that her husband reached. They were a grand old couple. Cornelius Spain, it appears, was the pioneer of his neighborhood and was the first man to start the physical and moral development of the new Eldorado and helped lay the foundation for good government. Through his efforts the first missionary priest came to his neighborhood. Father McKenna having held mass at his house in 1852, after which annual mass was served, and later regular mass in the log school house. Thus, for many reasons, no man is more worthy of an honored place in the county's history than Cornelius Spain.

He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, namely: Michael, number one, died in early life, as did also Thomas and Rhoda; Catherine, Mrs. Conroy; Bridget died when young; Daniel, a farmer died in 1875; John, a farmer, died in 1905, Cornelius, a farmer, died in 1884; William, a farmer, died in 1888; Michael, the subject, and Mary were twins, the latter dying in 1848 when young; Margaret and Derias also died young.

Michael Spain, of this review, was reared on the home farm and assisted with the work on the same when he became of proper age and early in life engaged in farming. When thirty-two years of age he married and settled at the old homestead, continuing to operate the place, carrying out the plans which his father inaugurated, he later bought the interest of his brother and he has since added to his place until he now has a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, all under a high state of cultivation, and he is carrying on general farming and stock raising in a manner that is bringing definite success. He often has as many as one hundred head of cattle in his pastures and feed lots, feeding and shipping about three car loads of cattle each year, also feeds large numbers of hogs. He has an excellent farm and a good group of buildings on the same. Although primarily a Democrat, he is inclined to be independent when it comes ot voting. He was reared in the Catholic church and is still loyal to the same.

Mr. Spain was married on July 1, 1879, to Mary J. Britt, who was born in Lyons, Iowa, on September 20, 1859, and she has proven to be a most worthy helpmate. She is the daughter of Thomas Britt, a native of Ireland who emigrated to New York in 1852, and who came to Lyons, Iowa about 1855. He engaged in farming and contracting on railroad construction work and became a useful and successful man. His death occurred here in 1881. He was a member of the Catholic church and a Democrat. he filled a number of minor offices, including that of constable, while living at Lyons. His family consisted of three children: George died when young, as did also Martin; Mary J. wife of Mr. Spain of this review.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Spain: Cornelius is a farmer; Thomas D. is an invalid; Roger is a farmer; Margaret I., Mary G., and William P. are all at home; Catherine is teaching school; Frank is a student at Dubuque, Iowa; Orretta is a student at the parochial school at Petersville; Mercedes is also attending the same school.