Thomas Quinn (1824-1900)

QUINN, MCHUGH, CONNOLLY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/21/2011 at 22:31:36

From Story County Watchman March 16, 1900

THOMAS QUINN.

Tuesday, March 13th, 1900 at 6:20 a. m. passed away one of most highly respected citizens of our city, Thomas Quinn.

Thomas Quinn was born Dec. 23, 1824, in the county Rosscommon, Ireland, and when young went to England and locted in the city Birmingham. While in Birmingham he became a personal friend of Dr. Newman. September 28th, 1857 he was married to Catharine McHugh and October 2d of the same year reached New York. he proceeded at once to Philadelphia but finding employment scarce he moved to Chester county a short distance from Philadelphia, where he remained until he moved to Iowa in 1865. He was the first settler in Arcadia, Carroll Co. which was then known as Tip-Top. He came to Story county in 1870 and finally to Nevada in 1888. For a number of years he was in the employ of the C. & N. W. R. R. For a number of years he lived on his farm northeast of Nevada.

Five daughters survive him, all of whom where home when he died. His sister, Mrs. M. Connolly with her husband came home from their California trip, when word reached them the end was drawing to a close.

Thomas Quinn lived a most exemplary life. His funeral one of the largest ever held in Nevada, was conducted Thursday from the Catholic church of which he was a member.

The Requiem Mass celebrated for the repose of his woul and after the absolution of the body the funeral oration was delivered by Father Nicholls who spoke in eloquent words on the life and virtues of the deceased. The following are a few extracts from the sermon--
'I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'

As to the rest, there is laid up for a crown of justice, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will render to me in that day, add not to me only but to them also that love his coming, II Eph, St. Paul to Timothy Chapter IV, verses 7 and 8--

After speaking to the large number that came to pay a last tribute of respect to the deceased, he explained the ceremonies that were performed-- He said "Oh friends, this name is so pure and good, so great and noble there is no spot or blemish upon it. The personal worth of a man and his value for society depend upon the four cardinal virtues, prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. The three theological virtues, faith, hope and charity, were also woven through his life. He was a shining example of them all. It would be hard to find a man more just, more honorable and more virtuous. In matters of faith he was uncompromising. In matters of charity it was broad and extended to all..........Tom Quinn was an ideal christian man. In our days, many think it sufficient to be a good man, without being a christian, or that one is already a good christian; or that one is already a good christian if he can be called a good man. Friends this is not so, this can not be so. First man then christian, and thus a whole man this must be the motto. Ever since the son of God has become man, ever since Christ has been on earth; men must be Christians. Christ the God man has taught doctrines men must believe. He given laws men must observe. He has practiced virtues we must initiate. Christ has established a church which he commands us to hear; He has left us a Mother that ment to him we must love. Christ by his suffering and death has merited graces for us thish we absolutely stand in need of. He has appointed sacraments as the principal way by which to obtain his graces. Christ has opened for us heaven, but so, as he says himself that only those who use violence will obtain it. From these principles it follows that we cannot be what God wants us to be unless we are Christians. Our deceased friend was fully convinced of this truth therefore he had become such an exemplary Christian........For nearly seventy years he served mass and continued to do so up to the time of his last sickness.

Thomas Quinn, a name, pure, honorable, virtuous, holy free from stain.

He concluded by requesting all to pray for him. At the conclusion he was very deeply affected.