Madden, Richard -- 1838 - 1918

MADDEN, HARMON, DWYER

Posted By: William J. Hughes (email)
Date: 12/11/2005 at 14:44:09

Transcript of Decorah Iowa Republican 31 January 1918

Obituary of Richard Madden

This transcript was made from a copy of the original newspaper obit because of the almost unreadable condition of the copy.

Just before midnight last Friday, the 25th, Richard Madden passed away at his home on East Main, death being due to paralysis. Mr. Madden sustained two strokes and for the past fifteen months has been confined to his home, suffering intensely.

Richard Madden was born on October 13, 1838, in County Tipperary, Ireland. He came to America in his youth and after residing in Ohio for three years settled in Decorah, where he has since maintained his home. Early in the sixties he was married to Margaret Harmon. Four children were born to them, three of whom, with their mother survive. They are Perry and Mary Madden of Decorah and Wm Madden of Fargo. Soon after his marriage Mr. Madden went to Memphis, Tenn. where he entered the employ of the government as an iron worker. Although he never enlisted, no man could entertain greater pride in the U. S. Navy than did Mr. Madden. He saw General Farragut, Lieuts. Dewey and Clarke who subsequently became Admirals, and many others whose names are attached to the history of our country. It is told of him that once when he was dangerously ill that Gen. MacPherson carried him aboard a hospital ship and gave orders that he should be given every care. It was a recognition that Mr. Madden never forgot, and naturally, MacPherson became to him a very real hero. On returning to Decorah Mr. Madden opened the blacksmith shop on East Water Street that he conducted for many years.

The funeral was Teusday morning at St. Benedict's church Father Hogan officiating and internment was made in the Catholic cemetery.

Second Obit:

Transcript of Richard Madden Obituary Decorah Republican January 30, 1918

Death claimed another of Decorah’s well known pioneers last Friday night at twelve o’clock when Richard Madden passed away at his home on East Main Street. About fifteen months ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis which left him an invalid; having been confined to his bed most of the time. About ten days previous to his death he suffered a second stroke. The deceased was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Oct. 13, 1838. He came to the United States when a young boy, and located in Ohio first where he remained three years, when he came to Decorah and his home had been here ever since, with the exception of three years he spent working for the government in the south. He followed the occupation of horse shoer for many years here, conducting a shop on East Water street, and he was an expert at his work. He was always active, was a man possessed of a sunny disposition, and during hi long life here bore the respect and esteem of everyone, as he was ever straightforward and reliable, enjoying the confidence of those with whom he had been associated.
He was united in marriage here over fifty years ago to Margaret Harmon. Four children were born to the union, Edmund B. Who passed away some years ago; Perry, Canoe township.; William, Fargo, N. D. And Mary at home, who with the bereaved wife and mother survives, and they have the sympathy of many friends here in their loss. The funeral services were held yesterday morning from St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Rev. Father Hogan officiated. And interment was in the Catholic cemetery.