William Fitzgerald 1837-1912

FITZGERALD, SHEA, MURPHY

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 1/20/2011 at 13:02:44

FAIRBANK ---
Mrs. Catharine Fitzgerald and three
sons of Oskaloosa attended the funeral
of their uncle. William Fitzgerald.

William Fitzgerald, an old resident and veteran of the
Civil War, passed away quietly at his home in this city
Tuesday night, June 4, surrounded by his wife, daughter
and two sons. Mr. Fritzgerald was born in February 1837
in County of Lamerick, Ireland, where he lived until he
was 15 years of age, when he came to America. On June
17, 1861 he enlisted in Company E Tenth Ohio volunteer
infantry at Dennison, Ohio. He served our country for
three years and six months, being in a number of the
hardest battles. At the close of the war, he returned to
Chicago and remained there two years, coming from there
to Independence, Iowa where he was married to Miss Mary
Shea, August 17, 1868. To this union were born ten
children of whom only three survive, James, William and
Mrs. Minnie Murphy, all residents of this city.
Mr. Fitzgerald was a man of sterling worth, strictly honest
and upright, one who strove for the betterment in which
he lived. His devotion to the flag was pathetic. For years
he had been the color bearer for the local G. A. R. post
and his last request was that he might be buried under
the folds of the flag.
The funeral services were held Thursday morning from the
Catholic church of which he was a faithful member, and
were conducted by Rev. Father Donahoe, who paid a fine
tribute to the life of the deceased. The GAR and WRC
attended in a body. The remains were taken to
Independence and deposited in the family lot by the side
of those who had preceeded him. Friends from Dubuque,
Waterloo, Independence, Ryan, Dunkerton and Oelwein
were here to attend the funeral.

Waterloo Evening Courier - 12 June 1912