William Jess 1828-1893

JESS, MURPHY, CONNOLLY, DILLON, MANSFIELD, BROWN

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 1/22/2019 at 20:04:06

In Memoriam

June 25, 1896, William Jess – William Jess of Prairie Creek Township died at his home near Bernard Sunday night. Mr. Jess was perhaps as widely and favorably as a business man, farmer and stock raiser as any man in Dubuque County, having resided in Garry Owen and Prairie Creek since 1848. For many years he and his brothers, Robert and Patrick, conducted a general store in Garry Owen, for a long time the only store for miles in the vicinity. Retiring from this business in 1871, he purchased a large tract of land comprising of an entire section in Prairie Creek which he has ever since and up to the time of his death occupied as a stock farm. From the time of Mr. Jess’ purchase of this farm his home was noted throughout the southern part of the county for the genial hospitality for its owner who will long be remembered by the farmers and townsmen of this part of the county and all others whom business or brought to the vicinity of his home.

About the year 1879, Mr. Jess who had been instrumental in establishing the branch of the C. M. & St. P. Railroad from Bellevue to Cascade founded and built the town of Bernard on a part of his land laid out for that purpose and he ever after kept alive its spirit and enterprise. From the time of lying out of this town he identified himself with its interests and until about two years ago when he retired from business. He conducted a general store and lumberyard. During this time also, and up to the time of his death he was engaged in the business of buying and shipping grain and livestock for the Chicago markets. Thorough these business interests he formed a large circle of friends and acquaintances and was also in demand for political honors. He, however, persistently refused to mingle in politics or to hold any political office, but could not avoid the sobriquet which his friends and neighbors of that part of the county insisted on bestowing on him, “The Mayor of Bernard.”

William Jess was born in the town of Lis Karney, County Kerry, Ireland, in May, 1828, and immigrated to America with his parents and brothers and sisters in 1841. The family settled in Bangor, Maine where they resided for seven years, coming to Iowa and settling in Garry Owen in 1848. William was the eldest boy and second oldest child in the family, the oldest of whom, Mrs. Mary Murphy, died some twenty years ago. His brothers Patrick and John Jess died some years since. His other brothers and sister survive him. These are Mrs. Jane Mansfield of Cherokee, Iowa; James Jess of Jones County; Robert Jess of this city (Dubuque); Mrs. Michael Dillon of Epworth; and Sr. Mary Acquihna of Cresco.

On July 26, 1856, Mr. Jess was united in marriage to Ellen Brown, daughter of the late John Brown of Whitewater Township, who survives him. Ten children were the result of this marriage, five of whom are now living: Mrs. Wm. Connolly of Bernard; and Robert, James, Nellie and Wm. Jess Jr., who resides with their parents.

History of Bernard, Iowa