John Lillis

LILLIS, HALLIGAN, KINNALLY, VOLZ

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 7/20/2014 at 17:14:07

Obituary

DEATH COMES SUDDENLY TO JOHN LILLIS

While on His Way Home He Falls in the Street and Death Ensues Almost Instantly-His Demise a Shock to His Friends

Death came quickly and unexpectedly to John Lillis last evening, and the announcement of his sudden demise will come as a shock to his many friends and acquaintances in Davenport.

For sometime past, Mr. Lillis had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph F Volz, residing at 616 east Sixth street, and after partaking of supper there last evening, walked down town with his son-in-law, Mr. Volz. He was apparently in his usual health and neither himself nor his immediate relatives had any intimation that he was so soon to succumb to the inevitable. While returning home about 8 o'clock, he tottered and fell upon the sidewalk on Case street, between Iowa and LeClaire. Two young men, J.F. McCabe and N.W. Nelson, were a short distance behind him and seeing him fall, ran to his assistance. A glance revealed the distressing fact that he was in the throes of death, and in a twinkling almost the spark of life left its moral tenement. It being apparent that he was beyond medical aid, word was sent to the station and in response to the summons the body was removed to Halligan's undertaking establishment. The remains were there examined by Coroner McCartney, who confirmed what had been apparent-that Mr. Lillis was beyond all earthly aid.

John Lillis was one of the oldest and best known residents of Davenport, this city having been his home for nearly half a century. He was born in County Clare, Ireland, June 9, 1831, and came to America in 1842. After a residence of several years, he came to Davenport in 1851 and shortly after engaged in the grocery business. This he continued until eight years ago when he retired in favor of his son, William M Lillis. Subsequently he was engaged in the commission business in Chicago for several years, but returned to Davenport sometime ago, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Volz, the greater portion of the time. At various times he has filled positions of municipal trust, having been city clerk in 1867 and 1868 and also having served as a member of the council.

The deceased is survived by four children-William M Lillis, Mrs. T.F. Halligan and Mrs. J.F. Volz of this city and Mrs. M.J. Kinnally of Chicago. He is also survived by his aged mother, now past her ninetieth year, who lives with his brother, Michael, at Long Grove.

A postmortem was held this morning by Dr. McCortney and it was found that fatty degeneration of the heart was the cause of Mr. Lillis' death.

Source: Daily Times, Davenport, Scott, Iowa, 09 January 1896.