Edward Breen, died 1929

BREEN, MITCHELL

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/11/2012 at 16:18:00

EDWARD BREEN DIES AT AGE 66
Organized the Town of Armstrong

Edward J. Breen, organizer of the town of Armstrong and who at one time was mayor of Estherville, died Saturday night at Fort Dodge at the age of 66 year, following an illness of eight years. He had become a leading figure in business affairs of north Iowa.

Mr. Breen was born in Webster county and educated in the county schools. On June 25, 1888, he was married to Miss Mary Mitchell. They lived in Estherville for a number of years, where he was engaged in the real estate business. He was at one time mayor of Estherville and for a brief period the family lived in Armstrong, which town Mr. Breen organized.

Move to Fort Dodge

In 1903 the Breen family moved to Fort Dodge, and have made their residence there since. Mr. Breen was one of the organizers of the Iowa Savings Bank, which was formed shortly after his arrival in Fort Dodge. He was one of the principal organizers and the first vice president of the Northwestern States Portland Cement Co. He also had extensive farm holdings and demonstrated his faith in Fort Dodge's future by purchasing several valuable pieces of property on Central avenue. He possessed rare business judgment and was a man of remarkable energy.

Mr. Breen's home life was ideal and socially he was ever the kindly, courteous gentleman. He is survived by his widow and three children, Maurice J., Edward J., Jr., and Pauline; two grandchildren and three brothers and two sisters, T.F. Breen, of Fort Dodge; John Breen of Omaha; Williama Breen, of Fergus Falls, Minn.; Miss Mollie Breen, of Fort Dodge, and Mrs. Jane Brady, of Portland, Ore.

Funeral Services

Funeral services were held Monday morning at 9 o'clock at Sacred Heart church with the Rev. Father Desmond conducting the services. Burial was in Corpus Christi cemetery. The pall bearers were five brothers and a nephew of Mrs. Breen; Edward Mitchell, John Mitchell, P.J. Mitchell, Will Mitchell, M.J. Mitchell, and Richard F. Mitchell.

Source: Estherville News, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; August 22, 1929.