John Thomas Feehan 1844-1923

FEEHAN, MCCORMICK, WELCH, SWEENEY, RIKER, KANE

Posted By: Rosanne Knox (email)
Date: 3/4/2009 at 12:16:26

DEATH TAKES WELL KNOWN G.A.R. LEADER
John Feehan Passes Way; Ill But Few Hours; Wife Is on Trip West
Full Military Funeral Planned

John Feehan, a well-known citizen of Ottumwa, where he had lived for half a century, and a prominent member of local G.A.R. circles, died at his home, 610 East Second street, at 7:30 o’clock this morning, at the age of 79 years.

He suffered a serious heart attack yesterday afternoon, sinking rapidly during the night. Mrs. Feehan and Miss Statia Feehan are on their way home from Roundup, Mont., and are expected here tonight. Mr. Feehan’s daughter, Mrs. William Sweeney, of Roundup, died June 26 and was buried here just a month ago today, Mrs. Feehan and Miss Feehan returning with Mr. Sweeney. John Feehan, Jr., arrived from Des Moines last night. The other survivors are Miss Katherine Feehan of Ottumwa, Mrs. Walter B. Riker of Des Moines and Mrs. M. B. Kane of Denver, Colo., and three grandchildren.

Mr. Feehan was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, on May 12, 1844, the son of Thomas and Bridget (Welch) Feehan. In the year 1851 the family crossed the Atlantic to Quebec and in 1853 made their way to Hamilton, Ontario. In 1855 they crossed the border into the United States, settling at Grand Rapid, Mich. where the mother passed away about 1856.

The following year Mr. Feehan’s father came with his children to Iowa establishing his home in Keokuk. His death occurred in 1875.
ENLISTED AT QUINCY

John Feehan while residing in Keokuk went to Quincy, Ill and there enlisted for service in the civil war, joining Company E of the 50th Illinois volunteer infantry on September 12, 1861. He served until honorably discharged on September 22, 1864.

During the three years at the front he participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the advance on Corinth, the second battle of Corinth on October 3, 1862 the engagement at Town Creek, Ala., Chattanooga, Resaca, Buzzards’ Roost and Altoona Pass. He was with General Sherman when he made his historic “march to the sea.”.

After the war Mr. Feehan went to New Mexico with the 3d United States cavalry as teamster. He spent the year 1866 there. In 1867 and 1868 he rode the pony express from Fort Hays to Fort Dodge on the Indian reservation. In 1869 he came to Ottumwa, but afterward returned to the plains and was employed on the construction of the Kansas Pacific railroad. Later he again came to Ottumwa and was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in 1872. The following year was spent in the service of the Iron Mountain Railroad company, and in 1878 and 1879 he was with the Texas Pacific.
MARRIED IN 1882

In 1880 Mr. Feehan returned to Ottumwa and in 1882 was united in marriage to Miss Mary McCormick of Farmington, who was born in Clark county, Missouri, in 1859.

For many years Mr. Feehan had been an active figure in all Grand Army affairs. He was past commander of Cloutman post No. 69 and at the time of his death held the position of senior vice commander. At a meeting of the survivors of the 50th Illinois in Quincy a few years ago he was chosen lieutenant colonel of the organization.

The arrangements for the funeral have not been completed, but the civil war veterans plan a full military service.

Reprinted from: Ottumwa Daily Courier, Thursday, August 2, 1923; Front page