For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 515
ANDREW FOLEY. Among the citizens of Muscatine county who have passed away leaving many friends, to whom they were united by ties that could be severed only by death, may be named Andrew Foley. For many years he was closely identified with the farming interests of the county and became known as one of the leaders in a community made up of intelligent and progressive men and women, who here established their homes and devoted their best energies to the upbuilding of society. Mr. Foley belonged distinctly to the class that add to the wealth and standing of the locality where they live---a man of broad sympathies and sound judgement, who made friends wherever he was known and who always evinced the liveliest interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of those with whom he was associated.He was born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1830, and in 1848 emigrated to the United States, stopping at Boston, where for a number of years he worked at his trade as a currier. On account of failing health it became necessary for him to seek other employment and accordingly, in 1865, he came west, locating in Seventy-six township, Muscatine county, Iowa, upon land now occupied by his family. From the beginning he was quite successful in farming and he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land and gained a reputation as one of the substantial and progressive men of the township.
In 1865 Mr. Foley was united in marriage, at Boston, to Miss Mary A. Sweeney, a native of Boston and a daughter of Miles and Anna (Muldoon) Sweeney, both of whom were born in Ireland. Seven children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Foley: Margaret, Moses, Mary, John, Anna, Matthew and Agnes, all of whom are now at home except Moses, who is living in Colorado.
Mr. Foley died on the 8th of April, 1889, and the universal expression of regret throughout the region following the announcement of his death gave evidence of the profound respect in which he was held. Mrs. Foley and the children remained upon the farm and have since conducted the same along the lines so clearly marked out by Mrs. Foley. The members of the family are all connected with the Catholic church, of which the father was also a member. Mrs. Foley has been a wise and loving mother and has many friends in Muscatine county, where she has made her home for forty-five years.
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