James McGonagle

MCGONAGLE, AYLWARD, CASEY, TRUNNEL, OCONNELL, GATES

Posted By: Sandra K Weber (email)
Date: 2/1/2008 at 17:39:42

From the Emmetsburg Democrat, Wednesday, December 16, 1903

James McGonagle Dead

Mr. James McGonagle, father of Mrs. M. Aylward, of Walnut township, whose serious illness was mentioned in last week's Democrat, passed away Friday. The funeral was held at Graettinger Sunday and was largely attended. The services were conducted at the Catholic church by the pastor, Father Kelly. The deceased was a native of Londonderry, Ireland. He came to the United States when only twenty years of age, but after returned to his native land where he was married in 1853 to Julia Casey, who still survives him. They came to America in 1857 and settled in Pennsylvania where they lived for a number of years. Later they moved to Illinois. Three years ago Mr. McGonagle came to Emmetsburg with his daughter, Mrs. Aylward, and subsequently made his home with her. The family consisted of eight children. Four are still living. They are Mrs. Aylward, Patrick McGonagle of Alta, Illinois; Charles of Peoria, that state; and Mrs. L. Trunnel, who is also a resident of Illinois.
The deceased was a blacksmith by trade and followed the business for 55 years, retiring from hard labor only four or five years ago. He was a frugal, well meaning, upright old gentleman and Providence permitted him to live to a ripe old age. Mrs. Aylward and family have the sympathy of their many friends in their sorrow.

NOTE: There are errors in the above obituary. First, according the 1900 census James came to America in 1846 and Julia in 1848. Old family papers state they were married in Pittsburgh, PA. Their daughter Anna (Mrs. Michael Aylward) was born in Lancaster, PA in 1851. Julia's maiden name is O'Connell. This obit suggests that she was married first to a Mr. Gates. Death certificates of their children state their mother's name was O'Connell. The family was in Peoria Co., IL in the 1860 census. Julia died 29 March 1910 in Peoria Co., IL and is buried in the Kickapoo Cemetery there. The Trunnels were residents of Dwight, Livingston Co., IL.
James is buried at St. Jacob's Cemetery, Graettinger, Palo Alto Co., IA.