John A. Black, 1856-1886

BLACK, STUART, AHERN

Posted By: Melissa Mayhew Grandt (email)
Date: 4/25/2009 at 17:10:43

Williamsburgh Journal, Williamsburgh (Iowa Co.), Iowa, 5 March 1886.

We copy from the La Salle Times, the following death notice. Mr. Black was a former citizen of Green township.

Saturday fornoon last, Feb. 20th., JOHN A BLACK. died at his home. corner of Fifth and Joliet streets, in this day, at the age of 30 years a victim to the fell disease, consumption. He was born on Canal street in this city, Feb. 28th, 1856, and when six months old his parents moved to their home in Holbrook, Iowa. He remained with his parents till he was 18 years of age, when he returned to La Salle to do business for his uncle, John Stuart. Having taken a course of instructions in book keeping in Davenport College, he was made manager of the company store at the Union shaft, and afterwards took a partnership in the dry goods store of Stuart & Black. In 1883 he was elected city treasurer by a handsome majority, and fulfilled the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of the public. Mr. Black was deservedly popular; and we believe he had not one enemy living. He was always kind, courteous, generous and candid; a man without a guile. His death is the cause of universal regret, and his numerous friends and admirers can only express their deep condolence for his young and heartbroken widow and immediate relatives. He was married Wednesday, Oct. 10th. 1883, to Miss Rose Ahern, in New York, and one girl baby now living was the result of the union. His remains were taken from this city to the family burying place in Iowa, Monday night, and were accompanied thither by his sorrowing widow, his uncles John and Patrick Stuart, his cousins John and Ed. Cummings, Rev. E.M. Smith, Miss Rose Mary O'Donnell and James Glynn. Division No, 1, A.O.H., of which he was an esteemed member, appointed the following pall bearers who also accompanied the corpse to Iowa: Wm. McGuire, M. McLauchin, Denis McGuire, Herbert Hertney, L. Morrissey and e.J. Byrne. A requiem mass was offered Tuesday morning in the church at Holbrook, and in the afternoon all that was mortal of the good man were consigned to their mother earth. May his soul rest in peace, is the fervent prayer of his many friends.