Shea, Dan 1854 – 1908

SHEA

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/9/2019 at 15:41:22

Source: Decorah Republican April 2, 1908, P3 C4

Dan Shea is Dead.
This was the news that came to friends throughout the city early this morning. The long and plucky fight which Mr. Shea has made to overcome a dread disease is well known to our people, and through it all he has had the sympathy of a host of acquaintances, who, while they sympathize with the grief stricken family, feel that death came as a great relief to the sufferer. Because of the early hour of going to press we are unable to give any particulars of Mr. Shea’s life.

Source: Decorah Republican April 9, P5 C2-3

THE LATE DANIEL SHEA.
Daniel Shea, mention of whose death early that morning was made in our issue of last Thursday, was born Feb. 18, 1855{?}, in Schenectady, New York. When Mr. Shea was fourteen years old he came west with his parental family and settled in Winneshiek county, March 17, 1869. On Dec. 28, 1875, he was married to Mary A. Waters. To them eight children were born. Of these six, with their mother, survive They are Miss May, Will, Mrs. Jennie Weiser of Minneapolis, Parnell, Lester and Bernadine. The oldest son--Walter—died soon after reaching manhood, and their third daughter—Marjorie—died about four years ago.
In his boyhood days the deceased developed ability as a student and a common school education was supplemented by attendance at Decorah Institute where he acquired the foundation which made him one of the best teachers Winneshiek county ever knew. He taught first in country districts and then came to the west side school where he made a success that led to his nomination on the Democratic ticket and election as county superintendent of schools. He served for six years—from 1885 to 1891, Previous to this service he studied law in the office of the late Levi Bullis and was admitted to practice in Iowa courts, but it was not until 1892 that he established himself as a practicing member of the local bar. The acquaintance secured during his service as county superintendent was the stepping stone to a steady, growing clientage, and among the legal profession he was credited with being an able attorney and safe counselor. For four years he served the city as its legal advisor, and when disease seized him he was beginning to enjoy in a large measure a practice that promised to be one of the vest best in the county.
Politically Mr. Shea was a Democrat and was always found taking an active part in the affairs of his party, but his partisanship did not prevent him from the recognition of merit in policies in which he could not subscribe fully, nor from the hearty endorsement of friends in other political organizations. His fairness in all things won a host of friends who will ever hold him in kindly memory.
Several years ago Mr. Shea became afflicted with what then appeared to be a trivial ailment. Its refusal to respond to ordinary forms of treatment caused the aid of prominent specialists to be sought and while temporary relief was secured it became apparent some months ago that his recovery was an impossibility. The disease was cancer. Only at the end of a persistent fight for his life did he finally return home to take such comfort as tender care could afford, patiently awaiting the final summons which would release him from suffering.
The funeral was held last Saturday morning at St. Benedict’s church. Rev. Fr. Mullin officiating, and the remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery.
The pall bearers were Clarence Christen, John Oneil, Chas. Trzeinski, A Bernatz, Dr. C. L. Topliff and H. J. Hutchinson.
The funeral was a large one, a number from outside towns being in attendance. The Elks lodge of which Mr. Shea was a member, attended in a body, escorting the remains from the house to the church and then to the cemetery. Floral offerings in unusual number and beauty were silent testimonials of esteem in which the deceased was held.

Transcriber’s Note: His gravestone in St. Benedict Cemetery shows he was born in 1954 and died April 2, 1908.

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Apr. 3, 1908, FP, C3

Attorney Dan Shea, passed away early Thursday morning at his home in Decorah, after a long illness.

Transcriber's Note: The gravestone photo shows he is buried in St. Benedict Cemetery and was born February 18, 1854 and died April 2, 1908.

St. Benedict Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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