William McGowan 1827-1905

MCGOWAN HIGGINS YOUNG WILLIAMS KING

Posted By: B. Hand (email)
Date: 11/30/2009 at 20:05:58

From Palo Alto Tribune
May 24, 1905

ANOTHER PIONEER IS GONE

Mrs. J.J. Higgins Father Passed Away at His Home at Dyersville Last Week Tuesday

William McGowan, of Dyersville, Iowa, father of Mrs. J.J. Higgins, of Great Oak township, died at his home Tuesday morning, May 16. From the Dyersville News Letter we got the following:

The toiling of St. Francis church bells at an early hour Tuesday morning foretold that death had numbered another with the countless millions who have crossed the river Jordan, this time one of Dyersville's highly respected citizens, William McGowan. Although it had been known for some time his health had been rapidly failing his death was not entirely unexpected. He had been a sufferer since early in the fall with that torturing disease, cancer on the face, consulting with the best physicians here and in Dubuque and spending some time in the hospital at that city, that he may be benefited, but all in vain. He returned home and was tenderly cared for by those who were near and dear to him. For the last six weeks he has been confined to his bed and the past few weeks he was unable to take only liquid nourishment and was unable to speak, yet conscious of all that was going on about him. Knowing he was soon going home he awaited dissolution with Christian fortitude. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, he died sanctified in its faith.

The funeral was held from the family residence Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock from St. Francis church, Very Rev. G.W. Heer officiating. Burial was made in the Catholic cemetery. The large assemblage of relatives and friends followed the departed to his last resting place, and the many beautiful flowers, attested the very high esteem in which the deceased was held.

William McGowan, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, May 5, 1827, and died May 15, 1905 being 78 years and 10 days of age. Decedent was a true son of the Emerald Isle and ever held fast to the principles of liberty and justice. When a young man he left his native home and came to America, landing in Philadelphia in May, 1847. In 1853 he was married to his now bereaved widow, Miss Caroline Young. Shortly after their marriage they came west as far as Dubuque, remaining there until 1861, when they came to Dyersville and have resided continuously in the home in which he died. Their union was blessed with seven children, three of whom survived. Two died in infancy and two sons, William and Thomas, departed this life in the prime of young manhood, for former having died 20 years ago and the latter nine years ago. The surviving ones are John of Dyersville; Polly, now Mrs. J.J. Higgins, of Emmetsburg; and Kate at home. Besides the immediate family, two sisters, Mrs. Rose Williams and Mrs. Ella King of Philadelphia, and several grandchildren are the only surviving relatives.

For 20 years the deceased was baggage agent for the Illinois Central railroad, and for many years past has been a gardener, raising only the choicest vegetables and fruits. He was ever industrious, active and was happy when doing some kind deed for others; devoted to his wife and children and a loyal friend and neighbor. His toils are over--may he rest in peace, and may his soul partake of the glories awaiting those truth to this life, their country and their God.

Note: It should be Katherine Young, not Caroline Young