Michael Aylward

AYLWARD, MCGONAGLE, DANE, MCCARTY, OCONNOR, LEONARD, EISENBAST, HOHEN

Posted By: Sandra K Weber (email)
Date: 2/1/2008 at 19:07:23

Emmetsburg Democrat

Wednesday, February 16, 1916

The Late Michael Aylward

He Served for Three Years in the War of the Rebellion

Last week brief mention was made of the death of Michael Aylward, which occurred at the Sisters' hospital at Hot Springs, South Dakota, February 8th. Mr. Aylward went to the sanitarium at the National Soldiers' Home at that place several months ago. Early last week his sons of this county received word that he was seriously ill, but they did not think his condition was particularly dangerous. Two of the sons, Richard and Martin, left for Hot Springs as soon as they received word concerning their father's condition, but he passed away before they could reach his bedside. The remains were brought to Graettinger, where the funeral was held Sunday afternoon. Services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. Kelly and burial was in the family lot in the parochial cemetery. A large number of old friends were in attendance. The pall bearers were: P.J. McCarty, V.L. O'Connor, C.F. Leonard, M. Leonard, B. Eisenbast and Austin Hoben.
Mr. Aylward was born in the County of Kilkenny, Ireland, March 24, 1821. He came to the United States when a comparatively young man and located in the vicinity of Peoria, Illinois. He was united in marriage at Peoria on January 26, 1872 to Miss Anna McGunnigal. Mr. and Mrs. Aylward lived in Livingston County, Illinois for 21 years. They came to Palo Alto County eighteen years ago and subsequently made their home in this vicinity. Mrs. Aylward died September 4, 1914. There are eight sons and one daughter. The sons are John of Brainerd, Minnesota; Gus, whose whereabouts are unknown; James of Sioux City; Richard and Martin of Graettinger; Maurice of Green River, Wyoming; and Edward and George of Emmetsburg. The only daughter, Mrs. John Dane, lives at Peoria, Illinois. All but Gus were present at the funeral.
Mr. Aylward was well known throughout our county and he had a wide circle of devoted friends. The best test of his citizenship was when he answered the call of President Lincoln in 1861, shouldered his musket and marched to the front to battle for his adopted country and its glorious institutions. He remained in the service for three long years and was engaged in several of the deadly conflicts of the never-to-be-forgotten struggle. His record during the war was one of true valor and heroic sacrifice. Soon after coming to Emmetsburg Mr. Aylward became a member of the Henry Dillon Post and during his many years residence in our community, was considered a valuable member of the organization. He was an excellent neighbor, a loyal friend and an active and useful member of society. He was frank and outspoken and was never ashamed of his convictions on any public question. He was upright in his dealings with his fellow-men and, though not particularly rich in possession of the worldly goods, he always made ample provision to meet his obligations. Eight worthy sons and one daughter will long cherish tender memories of their worthy and respected parents, both of whom are now gone. The Democrat extends sincere sympathy to them in their sorrow.