James Donahue (1911)

DONAHUE, LOMBARD, MILLS, SMITH

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 8/17/2010 at 10:45:36

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, April 20, 1911
Page 1

JAMES DONAHUE KILLED

Breaking of Wire Stretcher Results in Death of Young Douglas Township Farmer.

James Donahue, of Douglas township, was accidentally killed on Thursday afternoon of last week, the breaking of a wire stretcher resulting in injuries from which he lived but one hour. Donahue, assisted by Morton Drake, a neighbor, were building woven wire fence. Donahue was operating the stretcher, which is fastened to the fence by a heavy wooden clamp. While under high tension the fastening gave way at the top and the tension at the bottom operated as a spring with powerful force. Donahue was standing between the fence and the hitch. He received the blow from the clamp on the back of the head which fractured the skull and he died about one hour later, without regaining consciousness.

The accident is one of extreme sadness to the unfortunate man’s family and friends. He was a young man of exemplary life, and was highly regarded by neighbors and acquaintances. He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Agnes Smith of South township and his mother, Mrs. Anna Donahue of Union township. In March, 1910, he moved to the old Thos. Hays farm on the Winterset-Earlham road, where he was favorably situated and with bright prospects for a life of useful activity and enjoyment. Funeral services and burial were on Easter Sunday, April 16th, at St. Patrick’s church in Lee township.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, April 27, 1911
Page 4

Obituary

When the news was conveyed over this community of the sudden death of James Donahue, which occurred at the home of S. M. Drake in Douglas township, April 13, 1911, profound regret was expressed on every hand. James, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Donahue was born in Madison county, Iowa, August 16, 1877. He lived and grew to manhood on the home farm in Union township. He was left when but a mere boy, to take up the duties of a farmer, his father having died when he was but 12 years old.

He was married October 15, 1902 to Miss Agnes Smith of South township. After his marriage, he resided on a farm in Union township for six years. He then spent one year in Des Moines. In the fall of 1909, he bought the old Thos. Hayes farm in Douglas township, where he lived at the time of his death. Death, always sad, is unmistakably so in his death. He was well and favorably known over a large part of the county. He was of a noble, elevating character respected by all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn his departure a devoted wife, a mother, three sisters: Mrs. Mary Lombard of Chicago; Mrs. Margaret Mills of Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Kate Donahue of Chicago and one brother, John of Des Moines.

Funeral services were held on Sunday April 16th, conducted by Rev. Father Troy of Winterset and burial made in St. Patrick’s cemetery. The bereaved widow has the sympathy of the entire community.

Gravesite
 

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