Quinlan, Ann (Mrs. Edward) 1850-1936

QUINLAN, MCGUIRE

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Sioux County Capital (9-3-1936)

Born: April 16, 1850
Died: August 25, 1936

Rock Valley and Sioux County lost one of our few remaining beloved pioneer ladies in the death of Mrs. Ann Quinlan

Upon the dawn of her 86th year, Mrs. Quinlan answered the last call Tuesday just as day was breaking and so gently and quickly did she breathe her last that it was scarcely noticeable to her sons, daughter and grandson who were gathered at her beside.

Mrs. Quinlan’s maiden name was Ann McGuire and she was born in Highland, Wisconsin April 16, 1850 making her 86 years old at the time of her death.

Mrs. Quinlan came to Iowa in 1871 and took up a homestead in the northwest section of Sioux County what was known as the Walnut Grove Farm.

She was married to Edward Quinlan on January 3, 1873 and moved to their farm which was four miles southeast of Rock Valley on which they resided until 1913. Death claimed Mr. Quinlan in 1910 and two years later Mrs. Quinlan moved to Rock Valley where she lived until her death.

Mrs. Quinlan belonged to the noble women of the pioneer age. She and her husband braved the trials and hardships of those days cheerfully. Mr. and Mrs. Quinlan’s wedding took place at Sioux City, the nearest town at that time. While they were returning to their home near Rock Valley by wagon, when in the vicinity of Le Mars, a storm broke with all its fury. Directions were lost and Mr. Quinlan decided to camp. He turned the wagon box over and piled snow around it, got his bride and bridesmaid under it, fed the horses, and crawled under the box to remain without food and water for three days. When the storm abated and the sun burst forth, the prisoners crawled from under the wagon box and walked a distance of two miles to a farm house, where they were given care, although weak and hungry and with fingers frozen, they soon recovered from the effects of their unpleasant experience and completed their journey homeward.

She was a woman of rare ability with a way of expression that called for the love and admiration of all who knew her. Her heart and her home were always open and she wanted no greater joy than the visit of a friend.

Three daughters and one son preceded her in death. Surviving are James and Mary of Rock Valley and Thomas of Worthing, South Dakota .One grandson, George Crannell of Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Thursday at 9 o’clock. Reverend A. J. Forrester officiating and interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.