Thomas Horan

HORAN, RUSSELL, DELANEY, MAHONEY, FARRELL, ARCHER

Posted By: Pam Farrell (email)
Date: 10/15/2007 at 20:47:25

Muscatine Daily News Tribune
Saturday May 2, 1903
Page 1

Old Resident Passes Away

Thomas Horan Succumbs to an Attack of Paraplegia at His Orange Street Home.

Muscatine Co. His Home for Half a Century.

Demise of This Highly Respected Citizen Causes Regret to a Wide Circle of Friends - A Prominent Farmer of Sweetland, but for the Past Decade Lived a Retired Life in This City - Was 73 Years Old.

One of the old and honorable residents of this community has passed from life to rest in the death of Thomas Horan, who breathed his last at dawn yesterday at his comfortable home, 1607 Orange street. He was stricken with the malady to which he succumbed about two weeks ago, it being an attack of paraplegia, which palsied and rendered helpless the use of his limbs. A lighter form of the same trouble afflicted him last October, but he rallied therefrom and apparently was more rugged and robust than ever, when suddenly overtaken with a final and fatal attack. Though helpless, he seemed free from pain, and courageously faced the inevitable.

The span of his life covered a period of 73 years and for half a century he made Muscatine city and county his home. The record of his deeds is that of a good citizen, of untiring industry and scrupulous honesty, his work and worth rendering him a useful and esteemed member of the community which sympathizes with the bereaved household in their loss.

Upon coming to Iowa in 1853, he first located in Muscatine and after remaining here a dozen years, he removed to Sweetland township, buying a farm, which he greatly improved and for years profitably and successfully followed the pursuits of agriculture, his progressive and industrious ways making the farm one to proud of as one of the best in that section. By persistent and strenuous endeavor he earned a competence and ten years ago decided to abandon active pursuits, to spend the sunset days of his life in the city. Here he has lived in comparative ease and retirement since. Possessed of an excellent constitution, hardy and strong, he was blessed with good health until at last stricken, his going being the first break in an affectionate and ideal family circle which had been intact for decades, and had hoped his life might be spared until his golden wedding.

Thomas Horan was a native of the Emerald Isle, first seeing the light of day in County Tipperary, Ireland, on July 1st, 1830. When 20 years of age, he came to this country, locating at Syracuse, N.Y., for three years before coming to Muscatine. On May 18th, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Johanna Russell. Their union was blessed with children who have grown to be useful and estimable members of society, and all of whom gathered at the parental home during his last illness.

Surviving him are his beloved wife, seven children and twenty-one grandchildren, the children being Miss Sarah and Lawrence J. Horan, of this city; Mrs T.F. (J.T.) Delaney, Menlo, Iowa; Mrs. Wm. Dwyer, of Sweetland; Mrs. James Mahoney, of Victor; Mrs. J.J. Farrel(l), of West Liberty, and Mrs. J.J. Archer, of Rock Island.

The funeral is appointed to take place from St. Matthias church Monday morning at 9 o'clock, Rev. Father Kunkel conducting the solemn rites.