Michael Thomas Washington

WASHINGTON, LEE, NOLAN, MAHAN, OREILLY, BESELIN, BALL

Posted By: Christie Hansen (email)
Date: 3/25/2007 at 23:04:55

Emmetsburg Democrat
M Washington dies in Omaha
Former Ruthven Farmer. Funeral Held at Ruthven Monday
Ruthven IA July 16 1940
The passing of M T Washington, 81, at 1:10 Am July 12 at Omaha was heard that morning in Ruthven. A funeral cortege of relatives and friends left to accompany the remains to Ruthven, arriving Saturday afternoon at the funeral home. Funeral rites, with Mass celebrated by Rev E L McEvoy Monday were accorded the deceased. Mrs. Mary Moses of Emmetsburg assisted the choir and Mrs. Anna Nolan rendered “Dear Sacred Heart” at the Offertory with a full choir singing “Veni Jesu” after the conclusion of the Mass. Casket bearers were John Brown, J L Grady, Thomas Geelan, W F Currans of Ruthven and J P Brennan and Michael Flemming of Emmetsburg. Interment was in Calvary cemetery in the family lot with his mother, brother, sister, sons and wife.

Michael Thomas Washington, son of Edward and Margaret Lee Washington, was born January 13 1858 in New York City. The family moved to Titusville PA,where the father died leaving a family of four children. Early in life Michael assumed responsibilities and while yet a youth he came with his mother and a youngest sister to Highland township. While not the earliest of pioneer families still they soon were figuratively representative, and two sisters were foremost as early day teachers. United in marriage with Miss Bridget Nolan, of the original Irish colony in Palo Alto county in December 1888, they established their home on what is perhaps the highest farm site locally known. Nine children blessed their union and lived until two were called to the colors. James died in camp in Colorado and Lee at the Great Lakes Naval hospital, with their father at each son’s bedside at their last moments.
Mr Washington discontinued farming in 1919 and moved to Ruthven. On the schoolboard of Highland township, on the council as mayor and as trustee of Sacred Heart church were obligations filled creditably by him. A man of affairs, he displayed a capacity for social and business adventure. His friendships were lasting. Many admirable quilifications can be attributed to him. His presence brought good cheer to any circle. A ready wit and humor and good will characterized his demeanor. He could be a boy with his children and appreciate all their pranks and frolics. He was a splendid farmer. When ill health bore up on him and he was unable to care for himseld he was taken to the best nursing home where special care and treatment could be provided. Though gone for several years still old friends of other days had not forgotten nor lessened in their appreciation for him. Beautiful floral pieces coming from relatives and friends afar, and from Cleveland OH, ascribed their own testimonial.
Two prelates, Msgr. Thomas Mahan of Cleveland OH and Bishop Thomas J O’Reilly of Scranton PA, now lately deceased, were cousins of the deceased. His immediate descendants are Mrs Raymond Beselyn, George, William and Vincent Washington of Omaha, Mrs Verne Ball and J O Washington of Ruthven and Edward Washington of Spencer. Nine grandchildren also survive. To this man whom God permitted to pass the eighth decade of his life, was fulfilled the scriptural promise of life to his fourth generation. May his children bless his memory.
list of those attending

This second clipping probably from the Ruthven paper:
MT Washington funeral Monday
Long time Resident Dies Friday at Omaha Nebraska After Long Illness
Funeral services for M T Washington, well known reisdent of this community, were held at the Sacred heart church in Ruthven at 9 o’clock Monday morning with Rev E L McEvoy officiating. Burial took place in Calvary cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tom Geelan, John Brown, Will Currans, Jim Grady, J P Brennan and Michael Fleming.
Michael T Washington, son of Edward and Margaret Washington, was born in New York City NY January 13 1861 and passed away in Omaha NE July 12 1940 at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 29 days.
The deceased was a member of a family of two sons and two daughters. His brother, George, passed away at Ruthven in 1895. His sister Emily died here in 1903 and his sister Mary passed away in 1911. Both taught in the Ruthven and Mallard schools for some years. His mother passed away here at Ruthven in 1911.
In his youth he moved with his parents to Hamilton Canada and then to Titusville PA, where his father passed away. Then he moved with his mother, brother and his sisters to Cleveland OH and then to Emmetsburg IA. In his early years he followed the trade of a cooper, a maker of barrels and casks.
On February 10 1885 he married Miss Bridget Nolan of Emmetsburg. Their marriage took place at Milwaukee WI and the young couple located on their farm about two and a half miles east of Ruthven. They lived on this farm until 1919 when they retired and moved to Ruthven. While living in Ruthven, the deceased served as mayor of the town for two years. He was township assessor for several years and served at least two terms as justice of peace.
Mr Washington was respected by all who knew him. He was honest, dependable and trustworthy, and in the 34 years he made this community his home, he won many friendships that lasted throughout his life.
He is survived by five sons and two daughters: Edward T of Spencer, George F , William G and Vincent M of Omaha NE, John J of Ruthven, Mrs. Vern Ball of Ruthven and Mrs. Ray L Beselin of Omaha NE. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The Lightle Funeral Home had charge of the funeral arrangements.