Gannon, Michael J. 1847-1925

GANNON, MCDONALD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/30/2012 at 16:34:30

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
December 11, 1925

OLD RESIDENT ANSWERS CALL
M. J. Gannon Lived in Plymouth County for Past Forty Years
WAS BORN IN IRELAND
Came to This Country When a Youth of Eighteen

M. J. Gannon, a well known resident of Plymouth County for forty years,
passed away at his residence, 24 Fifth avenue SW, Tuesday morning, at 3
o’clock. Mr. Gannon had been in failing health for the past two years and
for the last month had been confined to the house. His death was due to
failing powers and infirmities of age.

BORN IN IRELAND
Michael J. Gannon was born at Juam, County Galway, Ireland, October 12,
1847. He grew up and received his schooling in his native place and when a
youth of eighteen determined to seek his fortune in the new hemisphere, and
came to America. After a short time spent in the east, he proceeded west
and located in Grant county, Wisconsin where he worked at various
occupations. He was united in marriage in 1875 with Miss Elizabeth
McDonald, and the lived a long and happy married life together until two
years, when death took his faithful helpmate and companion. To their union
ten children were born, three dying in early childhood. Seven survive a
good father and blithe companion. They are R. A. Gannon, of Grand Junction,
Colo.; Mrs. Will Keough, of Maurice; Mrs. C. B. O’Roarke, of Lohrville,
Iowa; Mrs. Imelda Gannon, of LeMars; Leo M. Gannon, of Spirit Lake; W. A.
Gannon, of Joliet, Ill.; and Thos. C. Gannon, of Redwood Falls, Minn. There
are 21 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Gannon subsequent to their marriage lived at Boscabel, Wis.,
and were engaged in the hotel business.

CAME HERE IN EIGHTIES
They came to Plymouth County in 1885 and purchased a farm four miles south
of LeMars, which was their home until they retired from active farming and
came in 1915 to LeMars to live, where they established themselves in a
comfortable home. Mr. Gannon was a successful farmer and was ably assisted
in the work by his wife and family.

He was much interested in his earlier days in thoroughbred horses and
handled both trotters and gallopers in his youth.

Mr. Gannon was a most companionable man, and gained a large number of
friends by his genial and pleasant ways. He had a cherry greeting and a
smile for all those he met. He was a loving father and husband, and always
willing to accommodate a friend and neighbor.

Mr. Gannon was a member of St. James church, and a regular attendant since
the parish was formed.

The funeral was held yesterday at St. James church and was largely attended
by old neighbors and friends. The pastor, Rev. L. J. Cooper, officiated at
the services.