Joseph J. McDermott

MCDERMOTT, DIGNAN HEENAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:28

4 June 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 4

Joseph J. McDermott died this morning at 6 o'clock of heart trouble of which he had been a sufferer for some years. He was about fifty-two years of age and is survived by his wife and four children, one an infant four days old.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

19 June 1917 - The Clinton Advertiser page 5

Fifty-two years ago Joseph J. McDermott was born in Washington township, Clinton Co., Iowa. The child of good Catholic parents he was carefully instructed in the principles of religion. He grew to manhood on a farm in his native township, acquired a solid practical education, taught several terms in the public school, and was frequently honored by his fellow citizens with positions of trust, which he always filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people who had elected him.

Eighteen years ago he was married to Miss Sadie Dignan of DeWitt, who loyally aided him in building a home of which religion, love and refinement were the leading characteristics. Eight children blessed this union, four of whom died in childhood and four survive with the widow to mourn the loss of one who as father, husband and friend, always measured up to the standard of one of "nature's noblemen." Three brothers and two sisters will also miss his pleasant friendly greetings. They are James of Charlotte, John of Davenport, William and Mary, of DeWitt, and Mrs. John Heenan of Waterloo.

Several years ago he moved to DeWitt, was a charter member of Archbishop Hennessy Council Knights of Columbus, which he served as financial secretary for several years. Since his last illness began four months ago, the priests of St. Joseph's parish, who were not only his pastors but also his friends, brought him almost daily the Holy Communion. So well was he prepared for his last journey, we may use the language of Father Faber, "Grace makes a very sunset of what to nature is the most impenetrable darkness." He passed to the life beyond at six o'clock a.m. June 4th. The funeral took place June 5th, from St. Joseph's church where a solemn requiem mass was celebrated, after which Rev. J. J. Nelson in well chosen words paid a high tribute to his character. Interment was in the Catholic cemetery.