Scanlan, James, Dennis 1864-1959

SCANLAN, CASTLE

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/1/2011 at 13:27:51

Rock Valley Bee(1-15-1959)
One of this countries richest and most colorful eras came nearer to a close here Saturday on the death of Dennis James Scanlan, pioneer Rock Valley resident, its oldest businessman and perhaps its eldest person. He was nearly 95 and had been in ill health for several months before his death.

Mr. Scanlan was a part of that growth of this country that meant homesteading, breaking prairie, race hores, celluloid collars, button shoes and above all rugged individualism. In his honor, the business firms of Rock Valley remained closed during the services that were held in St. Mary's church Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Burial was in the Valley View cemetery under the direction of the Vander Ploeg funeral home. Father Kirschbaum of Rock Rapids said the Requiem High Mass.

Mr. Scanlan took an active part in the life of Rock Valley in his early and middle years having spent many terms on the town council. At one time he was priesdent of the Rock Valley Fair association and held other offices on that board prior to his presideny.

Mr. Scanlan came to Rock Valley when he was 20 years old, in 1884 from Wilmington.Ill his birth place. He was born March 19, 1864. As a young man he worked on farms and "broke" prairie for a couple of years before going into the real estate business in 1886. He took over an office of his brother, Thomas who moved to Sioux Falls to head a banking firm. He continued an active part of that office until his death. Bulk of the duties, however were taken over by his son, Emmett, in recent years. The young Rock Valley businessman was Sioux county's first Democratic county chairman and was also a director in the State Bank of Rock Valley when that firm was still active. He was also on the building committee of St. Mary's church that was completed in 1912 and remains one of the towns most striking structures. A climax to his long active career came in 1956 when he was named "Rock Valley" Man of the Year. Mr. Scanlan in the early days was an avid horse lover and raised and ran horses taking one of his thoroghbreds on the "Grand Circuit"

His parents were Bridget and James Scanlan. He had four brothers Thomas, Richard, Patrick and James all of whom preceded him in death as did his sisters Mary, Margaret and Anne.

Miss Jennie Castle of Doon and Mr. Scanlan were married Nob. 22, 1892 in the old Catholic church in Rock Valley. Both the best man D.N. Hoffman of Le Mars and the bridesman, the then Miss Anne Poppee are still living. Five children were born to the couple. One died in infancy and the other four are Dr.Harley Scanlan of Sheldon. Dr. Francis Scanlan of Algona, Dr. Clarence Scanlan of Lake City and Emmett of Rock Valley. Mrs. Scanlan preceded her husband in death nearly 21 years having died April 26, 1938. Four grandchildren also surive Mrs. Richard (Betty) Halpin of Muscatine, James Scanlan with the navy in Japan, Mrs. James (June Ann)Rasley of Des. Moines and Mrs. Philip (Virginia)Everest of Kingsville, Texas. Seven great grandchildren and two nieces are amoung the survivors.