Matt L. Donovan (1858-1927)

DONOVAN, RUSSELL

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/24/2013 at 21:41:06

Matt L. Donovan, pioneer merchant and banker, was suddenly called by death at his home in Bernard
Iowa, at 3:30 a. m. Monday, June 20th. For some time past Mr. Donovan had been in poor health and due to his illness had practically retired from
active business. He was stricken fatally by a paralytic stroke which, brought his busy life to a close. Matthew L. Donovan was born at Garry Owen, Jackson county Iowa; February 20, 1858, and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Donovan, pioneer
settlers of that section of Iowa. He worked upon the farm until he was 25 years old, when he was married to Miss Nellie Russell at St. Patrick's
church, Garry Owen, Oct. 26, 1887. A short time prior to his marriage Mr. Donovan had purchased the store and business of Jess & Brown, the
original merchants of Bernard, and for the past forty years has conducted that business. In 1911 he organized the Farmners Savings Bank, of Bernard, of which ho was president, and
for years has been closely identified with most of the business affairs of Bernard, and was also one of the organizers of the municipal government
in the town. He was a man of great energy in his prime and left the impress of his personality wherever known.

Mr. Donovan is survived by his bereaved widow and the following children,- Leo and Loras Donovan, of
Chicago; M. L, Donovan Jr., cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank of Bernard; Mrs. John Fitzpatrick, Miss Evelyn Donovan, Mrs. Eunice Kennedy of Bernard; and ten grandchildren. Mr. Donovan was a loyal, faithful and consistent member of the Catholic church; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, B. P. O. E., and St. Patrick's Holy Name society. The funeral was held from the residence in Bernard to St Patrick's at
North Garry Owen at 9 a.;m;, Wednesday, June 22. A solemn requiem high mass was celebrated by Rev. A
J. Walshe, assisted by Father Placid of the Monastery, deacon, and Rev. J. J. Leen, sub-deacon. The pallbearers were Mike Callahan,
P. A. Kane, Patrick O'Brien, Mike Reddin, Thomas Barrett, R. E. Curoe, James Malony and John F. McCarthy.
Cascade Pioneer, June 23, 1927

Matthew Donovan grave
 

Jackson Obituaries maintained by Nettie Mae Lucas.
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