For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 679
PATRICK O'TOOLE....Patrick O'Toole, is a native of Seventy-six township, where he now lives, born of a farm October 10, 1852. He has led am extensively active and useful life, in the course of which he has by many kind acts gained the sincere regard of those with whom he is associated. He has suffered reverses but after each reverse he has faced the world with new energy, winning a place of influence in the community.He is the son of William and Winifred ( Byrne ) O'Toole, both natives of County Wicklow, Ireland. Coming to the United States in 1842, the father worked in various eastern states until 1850, when he returned to Ireland and in the following spring was married, starting with his bride for Muscatine county, Iowa, soon after that happy event. They crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, which required four weeks for the voyage, his first trip over the ocean having been made in seven weeks. He preempted government land on the line between Seventy-six and Cedar townships in this county and there he lived until 1868, when he took up his residence with his son James, with whom he continued for thirty years. He was called from earthly scenes in 1898, his beloved wife having preceded him by twenty-one years. There were four children in the family : Patrick, our subject ; Mary and Sarah, both deceased ; and James, now living on the old home place.
Patrick O'Toole received his education in the district schools and on the home farm became thoroughly acquainted with all departments of work pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. At twenty-eight years of age he began farming on his own account on the home place and in 1884 located where he now lives in Seventy-six township. His home has been twice destroyed by fire but he is not a man to yeild to obstacles and he now owns four hundred and eighty acres in Seventy-six township and ten acres of valuable timber land in Cedar township, being recognized as one of the most progressive and competent farmers in this part of the county.
In 1880 Mr. O'Toole was united in marriage to Miss Mary griffin. Three children were born to this union : William T. and J. T., both at home ; and James, deceased. Mrs. O'Toole having been called from earthly scenes in 1886, our subject was again married in 1888, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Fanning, of Cedar township. Eight children have been born to them, six of whom are living : J. P., Mary B., Margaret W., Sarah Catherine, and Agatha E. and Lawrence, twins, all of whom are at home. As the head of a large and promising family Mr. O'Toole has set a worthy example, instilling those lessons of prudence and thoughtfulness so necessary in the attainment of any worthy object. He is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church but lends his assistance to the local churches irrespective of their creed. Politically he is in sympathy with the deomcratic party and no man gives a more sincere support to its principles. He has served for three years as trustee of the township but has never sought public office, as his principal energies are devoted to his farm and his family.
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