Tiernay, James 1817 - 1891

TIERNAY, BRENNAN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/19/2012 at 20:20:49

The community of Le Mars received a shock on learning of the awfully sudden death of their old and respected fellow townsman, Mr. Tiernay, which occurred at Oyens Tuesday. Mr. Tiernay apparently was in the best of health, though well advanced in years, and started out yesterday morning, as was his usual custom, to. his stock farm near Oyens He had just completed the sale of a horse, and started down to the depot to catch the train back to Le Mars and being somewhat late was hurrying along when he stumbled and fell when assistance came he was picked up and found to be lifeless. It is presumed the cause of death was heart disease.

James Tiernay, the subject of this memoir, was born on the 17th day of January, 1817, at Ballenahinch; County of Limerick, Ireland. His parents bore respectively the good old Irish names of Patrick and Mary. They were farmers in good circumstances and occupied a farm at Ballenahinch which had been in the possession of the ancestors of Patrick Tiernay during many generations. At Ballenahinch five daughters and four sons were born to Patrick and Mary Tiernay. In the year 1833 the whole family emigrated to America and James Tiernay went to Taunton, Mass., at which place he remained two years and there learned the trade of molder. In the year 1835 he removed to Worcester, Mass., where he worked at his trade and where he became acquainted with and married Catharine Brennan. Of this marriage five children were born named respectively Dennis, Anna, Margaret, Katie and James J. Tiernay, who alone survives his father and mother. None of the children except Anna have been married. Two children survive her, James F. and Katie P. Kelly who Have been most tenderly cared for by James Tiernay since Anna's death.

In the year 1847 James Tiernay removed to Southport, now Kenosha, Wis., and engaged first in farming and then in the foundry business. About the year 1856 he removed to Lyons, in the state of Iowa, engaging first in the business of keeping a meat market and afterwards in the grain business at Lyons and Charlotte. In the year 1869 Mr. Tiernay with that keen business insight for which he has always been noted, bought 640 acres of land near Oyens, in Plymouth County, la., and in the year 1882 he removed to Le Mars where he resided at the time of his death. He built a large and commodious residence for his family in the village of Le Mars and he has spent his time here in farming and stock raising, in which occupation he took great interest and was very successful. He has for a number of years been a stock holder and-director in the Le Mars National Bank and his opinion with regard to the business interests of the bank was often sought and highly valued by his associates. He was vice-president of the bank at the time of his death.

The wife of Mr. Tiernay died on the 7th day of January, 1889, and since her death he has seemed to realize that the time for his departure was near at hand. When he would hear of the death of an old friend or acquaintance he would be deeply affected for many days.

His body will be taken to Lyons this evening where he will be buried by the side of his wife and children.

A better and truer man than James Tiernay never lived. During a business career extending over more than fifty years he has never in word or -deed intentionally wronged any man. He hated-falsehood, deceit, and; treachery and was himself always truthful, openhearted and faithful. Of him it has often been remarked that he was never known to speak ill of any man. He was a firm believer in the Catholic faith and was an earnest and sincere Christian in this community as in all others in which he has lived he was universally loved and respected. He has gone to his final reward and while we mourn his loss let us resolve to practice his virtues and emulate his example.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Friday, March 20, 1891
Le Mars, Iowa