John Ward McGrath (1860-1934)

KIRKHAM, MCGRATH, TREADGOLD

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:52

October 31, 1860 --- December 29, 1934

Attorney J. W. McGrath Dies Saturday at the Age of 74 Years

PRACTICED LAW HERE FOR 47 YEARS

Burial Service Held New Years Day at M. E. Church. Rev. W. L. Breaw and Masons in Charge.

Atty. J. W. McGrath died at his home in this city Saturday evening, Dec. 29, after a lingering illness of over a year’s duration. He came to Eagle Grove and opened his law office immediately on graduation from the State University in 1887, and was continuously in practice, almost to the time of his death. Almost a year ago he consulted various medical men relative to his health and was given but little encouragement. He realized the seriousness of his malady and faced the inevitable with the same kindly attitude as he did other problems he met during his long and successful life.

He was very active in the early building of this city. Every worthwhile project had his wholehearted support. Integrity of the highest order characterized his demeanor as a practicing lawyer, as a citizen and as a man. If “J. W.” said something was so, you knew is was so. If he said he would do a certain thing, it was a good as done. He respected the law. He believed the laws should be enforced. A law-breaking client found no welcome in his office. He was referred to as one of our outstanding citizens. He would have been outstanding in any community. All the more is our regret when a man of his caliber passes on because there is no one to take his place. He cannot be replaced.

Obituary

John Ward McGrath, son of James and Ellen McGrath, was born on a farm near the village of Round Grove in Whiteside county, Ill., on Oct. 31, 1860. He was one of six children, and well knew the rigors of life on a prairie farm at that early time.

As a boy he attended the schools of Whiteside county, later attending the Fulton Normal Training College. When 18 years of age he began teaching school and continued in that profession for several years. He then attended the Valparaiso Normal College at Valparaiso, Ind., and later completed his school work at the Iowa State University at Iowa City, where he graduated from the law department with the degree of L. L. B.

In 1886 John Ward McGrath was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Treadgold. In 1887 immediately following his graduation at Iowa City, he came with his wife to Eagle Grove, to establish his practice and his home, arriving late in the month of March. For 47 years thereafter he was continuously and very actively engaged in the practice of law in Eagle Grove. In February of 1934, he began to gradually withdraw from active practice.

Mr. McGrath was a Past Master of the Masonic lodge, and for many years took an active part in Masonic work.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McGrath, a daughter, Edna who died in infancy, and Edith Kirkham, Earl J. McGrath, and Evert R. McGrath all of whom reside in Eagle Grove. He is survived by his wife and three children, seven grandchildren and by two brothers, James McGrath and Martin McGrath, both of whom reside in Chicago.

He passed away at his home in Eagle Grove on the evening of Dec. 29, 1934, after several months of failing health.

A Partner's Tribute

Leslie Archerd of Clarion, with whom Mr. McGrath has been very pleasantly associated for nearly 30 years, pays him this tribute:

John W. McGrath was graduated from the State University and admitted to the bar of Iowa in March, 1887. That year he established a law practice in Eagle Grove, which has now closed after an existence of over 47 years. Mr. McGrath's, character, his keen mind, clever wit, studious habits and ability as an orator, early gained for him recognition as an outstanding trial lawyer, and during his professional career of nearly half a century, he took a part in most of the important litigation in Wright county and his practice extended to all of the surrounding counties. During the years, commencing Jan. 1, 1894, and ending Jan. 1, 1898, he served as county attorney and made an enviable record as a public officer.

During the 90's, he formed a law partnership with Eugene Bryan which continued until Mr. Bryan's removal to St. Paul after which Mr. McGrath practiced alone until the latter part of 1905, when he formed a partnership with Leslie Archerd, who had been studying for three years under him. In 1912, the firm opened an office in Clarion, and for a few months Senator Charles F. Peterson, then of Clarion, was associated with the firm there but soon retired on account of ill health. In the fall of 1916, Maurice F. Birdsall of Clarion, became a member of the firm, and in 1922, Evert R. McGrath also became associated with it. These partnership relations with Mr. Archerd, Mr. Birdsall and Mr. Evert McGrath continued without interruption until Mr. McGrath's death on Dec. 29, 1934.

Mr. McGrath was a lawyer whose practice it was to win law suits, not upon technicalities, but upon the facts in each case, and his unusual skill in collecting and presenting evidence was generally recognized among the profession, as was his ability as a close cross-examiner. He was always loyal to the interests of his client and ever aggressive in upholding his client's rights. Because of his sterling integrity, judges and jurors relied upon him and this, in turn, served the best interests of those who employed him.

One of, the outstanding characteristics of Mr, McGrath, which will always be remembered by those who knew him intimately, was his readiness and eagerness to take up the cause of any one whom he felt to be oppressed or down-trodden or imposed upon. No poor man or woman who came to him for advice or service of any kind, was ever turned away because that man or woman lacked funds with which to employ him, and Mr. McGrath, having undertaken the employment for folks without money, always brought to bear upon such cases all of the skill and ability which he possessed.

His natural talents and his developed abilities as a lawyer were such that large demands were made upon him in fraternal circles, in church affairs and civic life and these demands he answered gladly, generously and the community life has felt the impress of his splendid personality.

To his partners in the quiet of the office and in the stress of the court room, he was always kindly, considerate and helpful, giving freely of his experience and ability, and they now cherish memories of many years of intimate personal associations together. His brethren of the bar have throughout his professional life, recognized in him a man of simple tastes and unaffected possessed of sterling character and high ideals. His life is a fine example of services well performed.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 3, 1935