Farrell, Pat 1859-1921

FARRELL, KELLY, GOULDING

Posted By: Plymouth County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/16/2003 at 17:51:42

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, April 5, 1921

PAT FARRELL DEAD
WAS WIDELY KNOWN ATTORNEY IN NORTHWEST IOWA
LEADING FIGURE HERE FOR YEARS

Was a Native Son of Iowa and Lived All His Life in This State. Practiced His
Profession Here for Thirty Six Years

Patrick Farrell, one of the best known men in Le Mars, died on Sunday
morning at a local hospital about nine o'clock. Ten days before his death he
underwent an operation for an internal malady. His condition was critical at
the outset as his health had been failing for some time before the operation
became imperative and he was suffering from a complication of diseases.

The news of his death was received with genuine sorrow as he was held in the
highest esteem by a great majority of people in Le Mars and the surrounding
country and expressions of regret and sympathy for the bereaved family were
heard on every hand.

Patrick Farrell, a leading attorney of Le Mars for more than thirty-five
years, was a native son of Iowa and lived all his life in this state. He was
born in a log cabin on a homestead farm in Benton county on June 1, 1859.
His parents, John Farrell and Bridget Kelly, came to America from Ireland in
1850 and located in Iowa in 1854.

Patrick Farrell was reared on the homestead, a member of a large family of
children. He received his elementary schooling in the neighboring district
school and assisted in the work of the farm, and then attended the academy
at Blairstown, after which he taught for several terms in the public
schools. He then took a course in Cornell college at Mount Vernon and upon
completion of the course entered the law department of Iowa State university
at Iowa City and was graduated in the class of 1885. In July of the same
year he came to Le Mars and engaged in the practice of law and worked and
lived here until his death took place. Not long after locating in Le Mars
Mr. Farrell was elected a justice of the peace and in 1889 was elected
county attorney, a position he held for six years. He was an able and
brilliant prosecutor and always filled the duties of the office without fear
or favor. He also held the position of city attorney at one time. He was a
democrat in politics and active in the councils of the party. He was a
member of the library board for many years and in other ways took an active
and influential part in the public affairs of the community. He was
progressive and an ardent worker for better and higher education along all
lines.

Patrick Farrell stood out as a man among men. He was strong, virile in
thought and action, possessed of a tongue which could deal out both sympathy
and sarcasm, but of a most kindly and honorable nature, with depths of
feeling only plumbed by those who knew him well. He had a fund of humor,
which was illimitable, and in converse and associate with him was a joy to
those who understood the greatness of his nature and the kindliness of his
heart. He was a fighter in his profession and in politics but his inborn
chivalry made him worthy foe for any opponent. He will be greatly missed in
many circles where his commanding figure has been familiar for years and
where his cheery greeting will no longer be heard. Among his many pleasing
traits was his love of horses and kindness to dumb animals. His home life
was ideal and the family circle will mourn a thoughtful and loving husband
and father.

Mr. Farrell was a charter member of Trinity council Knights of Columbus and
a member of St. James church since it was founded in Le Mars. Mr. Farrell
was twice married. On May 19, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate
Goulding of Luzerne and to that union one daughter was born. Mrs. Farrell
died in 1888.

On January 25, 1892, Mr. Farrell was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
Murray, of Kingsley, and to this union three children were born. John
Farrell, now residing in Onawa, Walter Farrell, of Lusk, Wyo., and Mrs. Jos.
Kass of this city. Miss Catherine Farrell resides in Luzerne, Iowa. He also
leaves five brothers who are James and Thomas Farrell, of Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, Michael Farrell, of Linn county, John Farrell, of Perham, Minn., and
Edward F. Farrell, of Long Beach, California.

The funeral services will be held this morning at ten o'clock at St. James
church, Rev. Father Farrell officiating.