Lydon, John F. 1860-1922

LYDON, FOLEY, THEOPHILUS, DONOUGH, COYLE

Posted By: Jill McCarville (email)
Date: 5/7/2013 at 17:06:11

John F Lydon, son of Nicholas Lydon and Mary Foley, natives of county Galway, Ireland was born in a log cabin on the banks of Crane Creek, at Lourdes, Iowa in 1860, and died at La Port, Ind., on January 23, 1922.

His parents were among the very first settlers of Howard county. His boyhood days were spent on the farm where he grew to rugged manhood, which fitted him well for the many responsible positions of his after life. He secured his early education in the country schools and began as a country school teacher at the age of 17, and later received his business education at Decorah, Iowa.

About the years of 1883 and '84 he was in the county clerk's office with Wm. Theophilus, making his home while in Cresco with Capt. and Mrs. J.T. Donough, his ever dear remembered friends. Several years later, he was a partner with Mr. Theophilus in the real estate business at Davenport, Iowa. He was at times connected with most of the big farm implement companies of the country and for the past ten years he has been with the Advance Rumley Thresher Co., of La Porte, Ind.

Mr. Lydon was a man at all times of strictly temperate and industrious habits and always hated money coming from a dishonorable source. He took great pride in fulfilling all business and social obligations promptly and accurately, and no task either great or simple was neglected if left in his care. He was of a very outspoken and independent disposition, but preferred never to be outdone in generosity even in dealing with his nearest friends. He was a great admirer of little children and never seemed too busy to do them little favors to cultivate their friendship.

In 1887 he was married to Margaret Coyle of Ackley, Iowa, who was called to her heavenly home about eight years ago. One son was born to them, John C. Lydon of Youngstown, Ohio, now in the employ of the American Radiator Co., of Kansas City, Mo., who is left alone to bear the loss of his parents. He was buried by the side of his wife at Oklahoma City, Okla.

He leaves to mourn his departure his son John C. Lydon and wife, two sisters and four brothers, Bridget of McCook, Neb., Michael and Thos. P. of Minneapolis, Mary of Lincoln, Neb., M.P. of Cresco and James of San Francisco, also a long list of near relatives and friends. His pallbearers were office men of the Advance Rumley Thresher Co.

Howard County Times February 8, 1922 Page 3
Transcribed by Jill McCarville from the files of Janice Sowers