For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 689
JAMES FANNING....Among the respected representatives of the farming interests of Muscatine county who have passed from mortal view James Fanning occupies an honored place. He was for many years actively interested in the development of the county and acquired a reputation of integrity and fidelity to every trust which is a priceless heritage for his children. He was a native of Ireland, born January 7, 1829, and was a son of Patrick and Bridget ( Murphy ) Fanning, who were born on the Emerald isle and there passed their entire lives. They were the parents of ten children, two of whom are now living : Margaret, the widow of Michael Burns, of Cedar township, and Edward, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.James Fanning was educated in the national schools and as he grew up assisted in the maintenance of the family. At twenty-four years of age he came to America and for eight years worked at such occupations as he could find, purchasing a farm in 1861 which became the family homestead. This place ultimately comprised one hundred and forty acres, being located on section 15, Cedar township. Mr. Fanning was very industrious and energetic, which combined with his good judgment made his farm produce a handsome annual revenue. In addition to devoting time to agriculture, he raised live stock, which he was able to send to the market in prime condition, thus commanding the best prices.
In February, 1856, Mr. Fanning was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Masterson, also a native of Ireland and a daughter of Alexander and Ann ( Nolan ) Masterson, who spent their entire lives in Ireland. Of their children, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Stephen Glenn, of Marengo Iowa. Those deceased are : Mary, John, Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Andrew, Catherine, and Bridget. Eight children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fanning : Margaret, now living on the old homestead ; Bridget, who died at the age of nine months ; James E., also on the old homestead ; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Patrick O' Toole, of Seventy-six township ; Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Estle, of Louisa county, Iowa ; Sarah, who died at the age of nine years ; William, who died June 27, 1890, at the age of twenty-seven years ; and John, on the old homestead. The beloved mother of these children was called away form earthly scenes February 5, 1900, and the father's death occurred July 31, 1902. Their remains were interred side by side in the Catholic cemetery in Seventy-six township. The homestead is now owned by John and his sister Margaret and is managed by them jointly. This place on account of its association is dear to all surviving members of the family, as here they were reared and in the home they gained those lessons so necessary for the accomplishment of any worthy object in life. Mr. and Mrs. Fanning were stanch friends of education and their children were given the opportunity of a good common-school training. The parents lived and died in the faith of the Catholic church. Politically Mr. Fanning gave his adherence to the democratic party. He filled the office of township trustee for three years but his interest was mainly devoted to his family and his farm. He was a man of many genial traits, readily making friends, and he was never known to betray a trust. His name will long be revered by all who knew him.
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