John McNally 1853-1926

MCNALLY, KELLY, CLARK

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 7/10/2010 at 13:04:21

The Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
4 Aug 1926
Page 5

John McNally, Old Resident Passes

Lived in County 53 Years. Pioneer Deputy Sheriff and City Marshal. Was Widely Known.

John McNally, one of the widely known residents of our community, died shortly after ten o'clock last Monday morning after a lingering illness of some time. His condition became rather serious about five years ago and, while he was able to about much of the time, he gradually failed. Death finally came to relieve him. The funeral was held this morning. Services were conducted in St. Thomas church, the pastor, Father McNerney, offering a requiem high mass. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends from various parts of the county. The burial was in St. John's cemetery.

Mr. McNally was born at Ixonia, Wisconsin, September 20, 1853. He was nearing the close of his 73d year. He grew to young manhood in his native community, coming to Emmetsburg in a covered wagon 53 years ago. Mr. McNally was united in marriage in the Assumption parish in this city February 18, 1878, to Miss Mary Ann Kelly. Mr. and Mrs. McNally subsequently made their home in this city. Mr. McNally served for some time as deputy sheriff of our county about forty years ago. Later he was city marshal for many years. Mr. McNally is survived by his widow, three sons and one daughter. The sons are J. W. of St. Louis, D. E. of Emmetsburg and E. H. of Ayrshire. The only daughter, Mrs. H. D. Clark, lives at Independence, Kansas. Three sons and one daughter are dead.

Mr. McNally was one of the widely known pioneer citizens of our county. He was genial, ready, warm-hearted and friendly, he was a clever mixer and had hosts of loyal friends. He was a man of good habits and he always took a fatherly interest in his family. His friends and neighbors found him dependable and our community entertained a warm regard for him. He was a faithful, fearless officer and, in the discharge of his police duties, he often took desperate chances but he knew his obligations and he did not falter in carrying them out. For 53 years John McNally was a familiar figure on our streets and in our public gatherings. Many will recall the large, faithful dog that for years accompanied him as he went from place to place. Offenders did not care to see them approaching. Mr. McNally will be missed, not only by his companion of almost half a century and his loving sons and daughter, but also by four brothers and our citizens in general who knew him so long. The survivors have the heartfelt sympathy of our many readers in their bereavement.

The Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
4 Aug 1926
Page 1

Old Resident Dies Monday

John McNally's Funeral Held Today. Resided Here Over Fifty Years

John McNally, a resident of this county for over a half century, died at his home here at 10:10 a.m. Monday, August 2.

He had been in poor health for five years, in fact he was not well since he underwent a stroke of paralysis about twelve years ago. At Thanksgiving time he was very ill and for a period of three weeks it was feared he would not recover. But he rallied and was able to be about the house, and was up town a few times. For the past five weeks, however, he was confined to his bed. He had hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, and other complications.

John McNally was born in Ixonia, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, on September 20, 1853. In the spring of 1873, he came to this county with his parents and other members of the family. They located on a homestead in Emmetsburg township, and later lived on what is now known as the Grady farm in Great Oak township. From there they came to Emmetsburg to reside. On February 18, 1876, Mr. McNally united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Kelly. Eight children were born to this union. One daughter and three sons preceded their father in death. One daughter, Mrs. H. D. Clark of Independence, Kansas, and three sons, J. W. McNally of St. Louis, Dan E. McNally of this city and E. H. McNally of Ayrshire, with their mother, survive him.

The deceased is well known not only in Emmetsburg but throughout the county. He has resided in this county over 53 years. He served as city marshal for 18 years, and was deputy sheriff at one time. He was considered an excellent officer. He was not overbearing with offenders of the law, but he did his duty faithfully and well.

As a young man, he was popular. He was cordial and companionable and had a decided sense of humor. He was industrious and while his health and strength permitted, he was ambitious to work and provide well for his family.

He was not aggressive in manner nor did he impose his opinions upon others. He was not offensive or quarrelsome. He had many friends and few, if any, enemies. He would soon have reached the age of (?) years, and during this time it may truthfully be said of him, that he never aimed to injure anyone.

Besides his wife, three sons and daughter, Mr. McNally is survived by two brothers, Ed McNally of this city and C. J. of Austin, Minnesota, and by two half brothers, Myles McNally of Emmetsburg and Alex McNally of Rockford, Illinois. To them all The Tribune extends sincere sympathy.

Funeral services were held at St. Thomas church at ten o'clock this morning. Rev. M. J. McNerney celebrated a requiem high mass and conducted the service.