A deep feeling of sadness spread throughout the village of Ryan and Adams township, when it was announced that W. P. Hurley had passed from this life but while those who knew him remain his memory will be cherished, not so much on account of the splendid success which he achieved in business as because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sympathy, and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellowmen. Mr. Hurley was a native son of Delaware county, born March 13, 1857, a son of Cornelius and Jane (Gannon) Hurley, both born in the Emerald isle. They came to the United States in the early '50s and located in Delaware county when this region was new and undeveloped. Here the father engaged in farming and bore his full share in transforming this section into the prosperous region it is today. The mother died at the age of fifty two years, and the father, surviving for many years, was called to his rest when he had reached the age of seventy.
     W. P. Hurley was reared on the homestead and was early assigned the tasks of the farm lad, his increasing strength and years being accompanied by larger and more important responsibilities. After reaching years of maturity he engaged in farming on his own account, but eventually abandoned this pursuit to engage in the implement business in Ryan. The work of the farm, however, appealed more strongly to him and at the end of three years he returned once more to farm work. He accumulated a valuable property and at the time of his death left to his family three hundred and twenty acres located three miles west of Ryan in Adams township.
    Mr. Hurley was married on the 21st of June, 1899, to Miss Clara Thillen, a daughter of Fred and Mary (Clemens) Thillen, who were natives of Germany, the place of their nativity being Lutjenburg. For many years the father followed farming after emigrating to this country, but he is now living retired in Dubuque county. Five children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, but the fourth in order of birth, Richard, died in infancy. Those living are William F., Mary J., Cornelius J., and Agnes M.
    Mr. Hurley passed to his final reward, December 31, 1909, at a time when it seemed he was merely in the prime of his life, for he was but fifty two years of age. His remains lie buried in Monti cemetery. He was a communicant of the Catholic church, in the faith of which he died. His energy was at the service of his community, and he was called by the people to fill his positions, serving as school treasurer and as assessor of Adams township. In daily life he was genial and affable. His purposes were kindly, his sympathy unbounded and all who knew him intimately felt honored by his friendship.