James Fenlon (1826-1916)

FENLON

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 6/13/2021 at 16:05:25

James Fenlon
October 3, 1826 - August 7, 1916

World’s Oldest Traveler Dead
Mr. James Fenlon, Sixty Years a Drummer, Succumbs
James Fenlon, known as “The world’s oldest traveling man,” died Monday morning at 9 o’clock. Hot weather and advanced years are given as the cause of his death.
Mr. Fenlon had been a traveling salesman for 60 years, selling windmills for one concern continuously for 25 years, before which he sold farm implements. One of the first McCormick binders ever seen in Iowa was sold by him.
He is survived by three daughters and two sons, Mrs. John J. Shea, of Bartellsville, Okla., Mr. O. P. Winkham of Council Bluffs, and Mrs. J. H. Quigley of Des Moines, Thos. Fenlon of Massena, Iowa, and John T. Fenlon of Des Moines.
The body will be taken to Council Bluffs Tuesday morning for burial. – Des Moines News.
The above is of local interest, as Mr. Fenlon was a resident of Colfax many years ago and will be remembered by many of the older citizens.
Source: The Colfax (IA) Clipper; August 10, 1916