Connolly, Cornelius John 1841-1926

CONNOLLY

Posted By: Plymouth County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/16/2003 at 10:09:23

Death claims early settler
John Connolly was custodian at high school for many years.
Lived to great age
Is known to countless school goers of long ago.

John Connolly, an early day settler in Le Mars , passed away at his home 114 Third Ave. S.W. Friday evening, at the advanced age of 85 years. Death was due to failing powers. Mr. Connolly had been in indifferent health for some time and since the death of his son, John Connolly, two months ago, which greatly affected him, had gradually grown weaker and passed quietly away.

Cornelius John Connolly was born at Brashers Falls,N.Y. July 5, 1841, where he grew up and was married. He and his wife following their marriage farmed for a few years near Brashers Falls and then came west to Dubuque. Mr. Connolly was one of the pioneers of northwest Iowa. He was employed with the Illinois Central railroad for a number of years and was a member of a construction crew which built the present line through Le Mars. On settling in Le Mars Mr. Connolly continued in the employ of the road for a few years until he took the position of janitor at the old high school building, which is now supplanted by the present building.

Mr. Connolly held this position for more than a quarter of a century and was well known to former generations of LeMars school goers. He was a most popular custodian, well liked by sucessive members of school boards and countless flocks of boys and girls who always had a good word for John Connolly. Without a doubt Mr. Connolly would have held the position of school janitor for several years longer had not ill fortune befallen him. Engaged in tree trimming in the school yard one day, he slipped and fell from a ladder, sustaining injuries to his head and spine which affected him more or less the remainder of his life. After recovery from his injuries, he worked at various forms of light occupation, and of late years had lived in retirement.

His wife preceeded him in death six years ago. He is survived by four sons and three daughters who are Walter Connolly of Bend Oregon, Leonard, of Hawarden, Frank, of Moville, Arthur, of Hinton, Miss Hattie Connolly , who teaches in the Sioux City public schools, Mrs. G.G. Allen of Worthington Minn. And Miss Loretta Connolly living at home. There are five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Although little known perhaps by many of the present generation the name of Connolly is part and parcel of the early history of LeMars. When the city was a little frontier village and everyone knew his neighbor, John Connolly was greeted by everybody, He held the esteem of all who knew him and hearing of his passing will recall youthful happy days spent in the old high school and grounds.

The funeral services were held Monday morning at St. James Church of which he was a member, the services being held by the pastor Rev. Father L.J. Cooper, and the interment made in St. Joseph cemetary. Many old friends and neighbors gathered to pay a tribute to a good citizen and fine man.