Patrick Noonan 1863-1904

NOONAN

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 12/10/2006 at 12:46:52

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, IA; Wednesday, August 24, 1904

PATRICK NOONAN KILLED
Struck by a Passenger Train Near Remsen.

Thursday evening Patrick Noonan, well known by hundreds of our readers, was struck by the east bound passenger train on the Illinois Central railroad about half a mile from Remsen, this state. He was walking along the track between Marcus and Remsen and, being deaf, he could not hear the whistle of the engine. The engineer, of course, supposed that he would leave the track in time. The pilot struck him below the knees, throwing him off the track. When picked up he was dead. His skull was cut open near the base of the brain and in the region of one of the temples. One arm was broken and his legs were broken in several places. His body was not touched by the wheels. The remains were then to Remsen where papers were found in his possession giving his name and home. His brother Dennis, of this place, was at once notified. The latter left promptly for Remsen, where the funeral took place on Saturday morning. Services were held in the Catholic church at that place and the interment was in the parochial cemetery. Mr. Noonan speaks very kindly of the people of Remsen and says they did everything possible to assist him. The funeral was largely attended.

The deceased had been working for J.J. Higgins and Thomas Clear, of Ayrshire, during the spring and summer. A week ago Saturday Dennis saw him and talked with him. He said he was going to Ruthven that evening to work for John Ruthven. It appears that when he reached there he bought a ticket for Sheldon and got ad far as the latter named place during the evening. After that the supposition is that he traveled form place to place looking for work. Shortly before he was killed a stranger passed him. He spoke to the man, but the fellow could not talk English and Mr. Noonan could not hear him if he had been able to converse with him, as he was very deaf. The stranger passed along and Patrick stood for a moment with his valise in his hand. The man looked back later and saw him moving. When the stranger heard the whistle he stepped off the track and supposed the man behind him would do likewise. He looked back again and saw that Noonan had disappeared. In a few moments his lifeless form was picked up.

Mr. Noonan was born at Morris, Illinois, in June, 1863. His parents died when he was a mere boy. He came to Palo Alto county about 25 years ago and subsequently made his home here. He was industrious and always worked hard. Several years ago he became badly afflicted with catarrhal trouble which deafened him and shattered his nervous system He consulted several specialists and after some time he regained his strength and the sight of one eye. He continued to work steadily and was able to pay his way. At times, however, he became greatly discouraged and felt his affliction keenly. Only one brother and one sister survive him. The latter, Sister Mary Irmira, a member of the order of the Holy Cross, is at present located at Washington, D.C. Another member of the family, Sister Mary Fidelia, died a few years ago. She was prominent in the order to which she belonged. Dennis had made his home in Great Oak township since boyhood. The sad affair will be sincerely regretted by all who knew the unfortunte young man.