Thomas Michael McLaughlin

MCLAUGHLIN GILLEN CUNNINGHAM TOOLAN

Posted By: Obituary Fairy (email)
Date: 11/13/2011 at 11:08:04

The Davenport (IA) Democrat & Leader; Friday Evening, March 2, 1923:

Pioneer R.R. Engineer is Dead, was 88

Thomas M. McLaughlin Succumbs Today; Funeral Monday Morning

Thomas Michael McLaughlin, 88, retired pioneer engineer for the Rock Island lines, died of the infirmities of old age at the home of his nephew, Thomas McLaughlin, 517 East Tenth street, at 9:30 this morning. Before the railroad line extended across the state of Iowa, he had a run from Iowa City to the end of the line.

He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1834, and at the age of 19 came to America, settling in Iowa. During the last 69 years he lived for the most part in Davenport, where he married Miss Mary Gillen in October of 1863, the ceremony being performed at St. Anthony’s church.

Surviving are two nephews, Thomas and John McLaughlin, and two nieces, Mrs. Dan Cunningham and Mrs. Delia Toolan of Rock Island.

The funeral will be held at Sacred Heart cathedral Monday morning at an hour to be announced later.