Approximately one-third of Ireland's population was entirely dependent on potatoes for food. Being a starchy food, potatoes were the most productive staple food for those who lived in Ireland's cool and damp climate. Beginning in the 1840's potato crops throughout Europe were ravaged by blight. The infestation in Ireland began around the year 1845, known as "late blight" which turned the plants into a black, dead mush. "Late blight" is the most ferocious of all the blights, and it thrives on damp weather conditions, infecting the fields for years. It is assumed that the "late blight" arrived in Ireland, transported aboard a ship which bore the infestation from European fields. One single potato would have been enough to spread the infestation. In 1845, one-quarter to one-third of Ireland's potato crop were lost.

In 1846, three-quarters of Ireland's potato crop failed. Seed potatoes were scarce in 1847. Ireland was in the throes of the Great Potato Famine.

It is not known exactly how many people died during the Great Famine, but it is believed that more died from disease than from starvation. Cholera claimed many victims during the Famine. Between 1848 and 1850, the Irish were still dying in large numbers but not from the absense of food. The problem was that the food wasn't distributed to those who were in the greatest need.

In 1847, a great mass of tenants were evicted from the land. It has been estimated that a total of almost 250,000 people were evicted between 1849 and 1854. Other historians have estimated the total to have exceeded a half a million persons. Consequently, with no place to resettle, no way to escape the famine, approximately 250,000 people immigrated in one year alone. Of the Irish who sailed to Canada in 1847, it has been estimated that one out of five died from disease and malnutrition.

The total number of Famine Irish who arrived in Canada and the United States will never be know. The marjority who reached the shores of Ameria settled in or near their eastern and southern ports of entry. Some of the immigrants went beyond these communities, settling in Iowa. One of these immigrant families was the DAUGHTONS and MULLINS, settling in southwestern Iowa.

With the onset of the the Famine in farthest western Ireland in 1849, Maurice DAUGHTON, his wife Ellen and her brothers Dennis and Patrick MULLIN, and his mother-in-law Margaret (CARROLL) MULLIN fled from Ireland, arriving in New Orleans, Louisiana. Theh took a steamboat up the Mississippi River and settled in Ohio in 1850. Here, Dennis MULLIN married Margaret HOULIHAN, formerly from County Kerry, Ireland. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1856, Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1858, Dennis took his family and the HOULIHAN family to Iowa, traveling by covered wagon which was pulled by an ox and one old mule.

Dennis and Patrick MULLIN and Maurice DAUGHTON jointly purchased land in Decatur County, Iowa from a German Catholic family in 1858. Here they constructed log cabins for the families.

Father Edward HARKIN, a second generation Famine Irish immigrant, described the Iowa countryside as, "The ground was covered with tall native grass, trees, and brush. Wild honey, wild apples, berries and plums were plentiful with which to make sweets and relishes. Wild turkeys and other game were in abundance for meat. . . .The air was clean, and independence was enjoyed as never before. Hope of great accomplishments was seen on the horizon. . . ."

In 1876, Dennis and Patrick MULLIN purchased land and moved further west to the vicinity of Maloy, Ringgold County, formerly known as "Shay's Settlement." Bart and Mary HOULIHAN accompanied them.

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
March, 30 1905

William GROGAN was born in Kerry County, Ireland, January 2, 1809; died at his home in Leon, Iowa, March 25, 1905, aged 96 years, 2 months and 23 days. Funeral services were conducted at the residence by Rev. Richard AIDE of the Catholic Church, March 27, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery in Woodland Township.

The subject of our sketch was the second of seven sons and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and attended the parish school. February 2, 1843, he married Bridget FOLEY, who with five children - Mrs. Kate HARRIS, Tade GROGAN, Michael GROGAN, Mary McGRAW and Hannah BRADLEY, survive him. In 1848, on account of the oppression of the Poor Act in Ireland, he left his native land and came to the United States, landing at New Orleans after a voyage of five weeks and three days on the ocean. In the spring of 1849, on account of an outbreak of cholera in New Orleans, he moved to Indiana.

In 1857 he moved to Decatur County and settled in Woodland Township, being the pioneer of the Irish Colony in that township. He was the first to leave his native land, the first to settle in the new "Ireland" in this county and was instrumental in bringing his brother, Patrick GROGAN, Cornelius HANNAN, Michael GRIFFIN, Dennis MULLEN (sic), Patrick MULLEN, Morris (sic) DAUGHTON, James DILLON and Bartholomew HOLLAHAN (sic)from the old home to the new one in this country.

Being trained in the Catholic religion in his native land, he was ever ready to defend his faith in his new home and lived a zealous, conscientious, Christian Catholic to the close of life. As an upright, public spirited citizen, he was loved by all who knew him. In his death, the community loses a useful citizen, the family a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father and the church an ardent supporter. Although dead, he yet lives in memory.

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
December 14, 1905

Bridget MORGAN (sic) died Saturday morning, December 9, 1905, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. P. F. BRADLEY, aged 83 years, 9 months and 17 days.

The subject of our sketch was born in Kerry County, Ireland, February 22, 1822. In February, 1843, she married William GROGAN and moved with him to the United States in 1848, and some time after, moved to this county and lived on a farm in Woodland Township until a few years ago, when advancing years admonished them to sell the farm and move to town where their daughter could the better look after their comfort and welfare. Her husband preceded her to the spirit land the 25th of March last. Mr. and Mrs. GROGAN were raised in the Catholic faith and were firm supporters of its doctrines till the close of life.

Mother GROGAN was an affectionate wife, devoted mother and a kind and attentive neighbor and friend. She leaves to mourn her demise five children; two sons, Tade and Michael GROGAN; three daughters, Mrs. Kate HARRIS, Mary McGRAW and Hannah BRADLEY. Funeral services were conducted by Father Ade at the Catholic Church and she was laid to rest by the side of her husband in the Catholic Cemetery in Woodland Township. Thus closes a long and well spent life. May her body rest in the tomb until the resurrection trumpet shall summon her to her final reward.

Margaret (CARROLL) MULLIN, mother of Dennis and Patrick, was born in County Kerry, Ireland in 1800, and died in Richland Township near Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa, in 1860. She was married to Dennis MULLIN, born in 1800, County Kerry, Ireland; died 1840, County Kerry, Ireland. Margaret (CARROL) and Dennis MULLIN were the parents of seven known children:

1) Ellen MULLIN
    born 22 Jun 1826, County Kerry, Ireland; died 10 Jul 1901, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    married Maurice DAUGHTON, born 1814, County Kerry, Ireland; died 02 Aug 1890, Decatur Co. IA
    Ellen and Maurice interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co., IA
2) Dennis MULLIN, born 1826, County Kerry, Ireland; died 18 Apr 1892, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 18 Feb 1849 OH Margaret HOULIHAN (1832-1920)
3) Patrick MULLINS
    born 29 Feb 1828, County Kerry, Ireland; 02 Feb 1905, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    married Margaret C. HOFFHINES (1830-1921)
    Patrick and Margaret interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
4) Honora MULLIN, born 09 Apr 1832, County Kerry, Ireland
5) John MULLIN, born May 1836, County Kerry, Ireland
6) Hanna MULLIN, born Oct 1837, County Kerry, Ireland
7) Margaret MULLIN, born May 1840, County Kerry, Ireland

NOTE: Honora, John, Hanna, and Margaret (the child) MULLIN are not mentioned in family records with regard of the MULLIN family's immigration to America. Perhaps they died young in Ireland?

Bartolomew "Bart" HOULIHAN was born in the Parish of Killchana, County Kerry, Ireland in 1789, and died at the age of 95 years on December 6, 1884. He married Mary GALVIN who was born in 1803, Ireland, and died December 12, 1893.

Bart HOULIHAN was known for returning on horseback to Woodland Township, Decatur County, to visit with old Irish families. Mary HOULIHAN was the local mid-wife, Catholic and Protestant alike, in the settlement around "Little Ireland."

Dennis MULLIN constructed a one-room house adjacent to his own home near Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa, for the HOULIHANS where they lived out their lives and were interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa.

The MULLIN, DAUGHTON, and HOULIHAN families took an active part with nine other families in the establishment of the first Catholic church in the Maloy vicinity. Before the church was established, they attended the local church where German was spoken.

The MULLIN, DAUGHTON, and HOULIHAN families were farmers and raised cattle.

Maurice DAUGHTON was born in County Kerry, Ireland, September 22, 1812/14, the son of James DAUGHTON (1787-?) and Anastacia (STACK) DAUGHTON (1792-?); brother of William DAUGHTON, born 1805, County Kerry, Ireland; died August 17, 1869, County Kerry, Ireland. Maurice DAUGHTON on March 3, 1840, Knockenagh, County Kerry, Ireland, to Ellen MULLIN. [NOTE: Some family records state that Maurice and Ellen were married on March 5, 1841.] Ellen (MULLIN) DAUGHTON was born in Country Kerry, Ireland on June 22, 1826, and died July 10, 1901, Woodland Township of Decatur County, Iowa. Maurice DAUGHTON and died on August 2, 1890, with interment in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Maurice and Ellen (MULLIN) DAUGHTON were the parents of of eight children:

1) Bridget DAUGHTON
    born 02 Feb 1842, County Kerry, Ireland; died 09 Dec 1928, Creston, Union Co. IA
    married 09 Nov 1861, Ottumwa IA Samuel Dunsmore WALLACE (18 Jun 1841 OH - 02 Jul 1927 IA)
    Bridget and Samuel moved to Creston, Union County, Iowa, in 1891.
    Bridget and Samuel were among the founders of Dowling High School, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
    Their children donated the altar, St. Patrick's Church, Grand River, Iowa, in their memory.
    Bridget and Samuel interred Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union Co. IA
    Bridget (DAUGHTON) and Samuel Dunsmore WALLACE were the parents of 10 children:
      1. John S. H. WALLACE, born 22 Aug 1862, Decatur Co. IA; died 28 Aug 1940, Creston IA
          married 1902 Mary Catherine McCANN (1878-1944)
          John & Mary interred Calvary Cemetery, Creston IA
          parents of 4 children:
            1. John WALLACE
            2. Marie WALLACE
            3. Ruth WALLACE
            4. Edward WALLACE
      2. Mary Ellen WALLACE, born 17 Feb 1864; died 17 Apr 1898, Omaha NE
          interment Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union Co. IA
          married Thomas McGRAW, born 1865; died 07 Dec 1917, Afton, Union Co. IA
                      interment St. Edward's Cemetery, Afton, Union Co. IA
      3. Julia WALLACE, born 24 Jan 1866; died 26 Jul 1890, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
          interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
      4. Charles Francis WALLACE, born 02 Sep 1867, Decatur Co. IA; died 20 Mar 1884
          interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
      5. Infant Son WALLACE, born and died 04 Mar 1869, Decatur Co. IA
      6. James D. WALLACE, born 02 Dec 1869, Decatur Co. IA; died 1958, Creston IA
          interment Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union Co. IA
      7. Maurice Edward WALLACE, born Sept 1871, Decatur Co. IA; died 20 Dec 1912
          did not marry; interment Calvary Cemetery, Creston IA
      8. Elizabeth WALLACE, born 12 Aug 1873, Decatur Co. IA; died 1930, Creston IA
          married Larry CUSACK (1862-1929)
          Elizabeth & Larry interred Calvary Cemetery, Creston IA
      9. George Andrew WALLACE, born 20 Nov 1876, Decatur Co. IA; died 20 Nov 1952, Creston IA
          married 1902, Ottumwa IA Mary Ellen MADDEN, born 25 Mar 1876; died 30 Nov 1934
          George and Mary interred Calvary Cemetery, Creston, IA
          George and Mary were the parents of 6 children:
            1. Francis Leo WALLACE (1903-1959)
            2. William L. WALLACE (1908-?)
            3. Margaret WALLACE (1910-1910)
            4. John Arthur WALLACE (1911-1986)
            5. Aarne W. WALLACE (1913-?)
            6. Walter Eugene WALLACE (1913-?)
            7. Mary Elizabeth WALLACE (1914-1930)
            8. Ellen Cecilia WALLACE (1915-2003)
            9. George Joseph WALLACE (1917-1980)
      10. Infant Son WALLACE, died 07 Aug 1878, Decatur Co. IA

2) Julia DAUGHTON
    born 21 Jun 1846, County Kerry, Ireland; died 27 Jan 1923, interment St. Marys, Maloy IA
    married 19 Jan 1870, Decatur Co. IA Edward CONWELL (1830-1915); 12 children (see below)

3) Joseph DAUGHTON, born 15 Sep 1846, County Kerry, Ireland; died 28 Feb 1887, Decatur Co. IA
    interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

4) James P. DAUGHTON
    born Feb 1849, County Kerry, Ireland; died 1938, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    married 1876, Decatur Co. IA Hannah GRIFFIN, born 1851 NJ; died 1933
    Hannah was the daughter of Michael GRIFFIN (1820, Ireland-1886) & Margaret (FOLEY) (1855-1903)
    James and Hannah interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    James P. and Hannah (GRIFFIN) DAUGHTON were the parents of children:
      1. William DAUGHTON, born Aug 1877, Decatur Co. IA; died 1946
          married 1903 Carrie A. BURHAM, born 1877; died 1961
          William and Carrie interred Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA
      2. Amy E. DAUGHTON, born Feb 1879, Decatur Co. IA
      3. James P. DAUGHTON, Jr., born Jan 1881, Grand River, IA; died 1955
          ran (D) for U.S. IA 8th District, 1922
          delegate to Democratic Nat'l Convention, 1924 & 1936
          member IA Democratic State Central Committe, 1949
          married Cora M., born 22 Mar 1884; died Dec 1974, Creston, Union Co. IA
          James and Cora M. interred Calvary Cemetery, Creston IA
          Child: Madaline Louise, born 08 Nov 1911; died 26 Aug 1913
                     interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
          Child: Hannah Elizabeth, born 04 Mar 1922
      4. Margaret "Wilma" DAUGHTON
         born 14 Feb 1885, Grand River IA; died 13 Dec 1973, Des Moines Polk Co. IA
          Wilma interred at Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
         married 12 Feb 1906 John S. TAPSCOTT, born 19 Nov 1884; died 01 Mar 1921
         John interred at Elk Chapel Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
         Margaret and John were the parents of 2 sons:
           1. John Ralph TAPSCOTT, born 13 Apr 1907, Decatur Co. IA; died Apr 1980, Des Moines IA
           2. Leon Walter TAPCOTT
      5. Walter D. DAUGHTON, born Jan 1885, Grand River IA; died 1918
          interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
      6. Emmett Michael DAUGHTON, born Mar 1885, Grand River IA; died 13 Jul 1972
          married Amy Alice (?), born 24 Jul 1890; died 28 Mar 1992, Maryville, Nodaway Co. MO
          Emmett and Amy interred Grand River Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
          Child: Dwight Leo DAUGHTON, born 01 Dec 1908; died 20 Jan 1911
                     interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co., IA
      7. Frederick Joseph "Fred" DAUGHTON
          born 14 Mar 1889, Grand River IA; died 05 Jan 1983, Mount Ayr, Ringgold Co. IA
          married Ethyl EDWARDS, born circa 1893, IA; died 1945
          Fred and Ethyl interred at Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
          4 known children:
            1. Betty Katharine DAUGHTON, born 03 Jun 1921, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
            2. Margaret Jean DAUGHTON, born 21 Jan 1923, Grand River Twp., Decatur Co. IA
            3. Frances Louise DAUGHTON, born 04 Jul 1925, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
4. Donald Frederick DAUGHTON, born 11 Mar 1932, still living
      8. Ralph DAUGHTON
          born 27 Aug 1891, Grand River IA; died Jun 1979, Grand River, Decatur Co. IA
          married 1915 Helen HULKILL, born 08 Oct 1892; died 1967
          NOTE: Helen was the daughter of Ohio (1845-1910) & Satira Ann (BURNS) (1853-1930)
          Ralph and Helen interred Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA
          Ralph and Helen were the parents of 3 children:
            1. Ralph L., died 17 Feb 1926
                interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
            2. Max Leo DAUGHTON, born 30 Dec 1917; died Oct 1984, West Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
                interred Grand River Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
            3. John DAUGHTON, born 10 Oct 1928; died 17 Mar 1991
                interred Grand River Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
      9. Seaman 2C Leo Moris DAUGHTON, born Jul 1894, Grand River IA; died 1918
          interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

5) Margaret DAUGHTON
    born 01 Apr 1856, Lancaster OH; died 30 Nov 1881, Decatur Co. IA
    married 08 Feb 1876, Decatur Co. IA Timothy "Tade" GROGAN
    NOTE: Timothy, born 1849, OH; died 1915, Decatur Co. IA, a Civil War Veteran,
    the son of William GROGAN, born 1809, Ireland; died 1905, Leon IA, and
    Bridget (FOLEY), born 1822, Ireland; died 1905, Decatur Co. IA
    Margaret & Timothy interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    2 children: Nellie M. (GROGAN) FENNELL (1880-1969) and James W. GROGAN

6) Johanna Agnes DAUGHTON
    born 01 Apr 1856, Lancaster OH; died 1927 near Beaconsfield, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 1889 Stephen John GROGAN
    NOTE: Stephen John GROGAN, born 26 Dec 1859, St. Louis MO; died 14 Jul 1930, Beaconsfield IA
               Stephen was the son of Thomas (1830-1875) and Catherine (HASSETT) (1836-1900)
    Johanna and Stephen were interred at St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp. Decatur Co. IA
    Johanna and Stephen were the parents of 5 children:
      1. Margaret "Nellie" GROGAN, born 10 Oct 1890, IA; died Feb 1987, Osceola, Clarke Co. IA,
          married 24 Mar 1913 Charles Lawrence WARD, born 23 Apr 1886; died 09 Jul 1924
          Nellie and Charles were interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
          Nellie and Charles were the parents of 4 children:
            1. Maurice E. WARD, born 14 Jun 1914, IA; died 17 Jul 2000, Brookline Station MO
            2. May E. WARD, born circa 1916, IA
            3. Charles D. WARD, born circa 1919, IA
            4. Michael J. WARD, born 11 Jul 1921, IA; died 06 Jan 2003, Waterloo, Black Hawk Co. IA
      2. Maurice T. GROGAN, born circa 1893, IA
      3. Marie [Marea] GROGAN, born 1894, IA; died 1979
          married Jun 1922 Thomas E. SHIEL
      4. Dennis W. GROGAN, born 01 Mar 1896, IA; died Feb 1979, Osceola, Clarke Co. IA
          married Gladys McGRAW
      5. Michael John GROGAN
          born 13 Oct 1897, Decatur Co. IA; died 17 Feb 1998, Chariton, Lucas Co. IA
          married Bernice G. EASON, born 15 Nov 1899, IA; died 04 Jan 1997, Chariton IA
          Child: Donnell R. GROGAN, born circa 1924, IA

7) Michael M. DAUGHTON, born 15 Oct 1858, Decatur Co. IA; died 14 Jul 1866
    interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

8) William DAUGHTON, born 09 Jan 1861, Decatur Co. IA; died 11 Oct 1878
    interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

9) Dennis DAUGHTON, born Mar 1863, Decatur Co. IA; died 26 Apr 1945, Decatur Co. IA
    married Bridget "Florence" SHEIL, born 18 Dec 1866/67, Somerset OH; died 1950 Decatur Co. IA
    Dennis and Florence interred Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
    Dennis and Florence were the parents of 5 children:
      1. Marguerite (DAUGHTON) SCHMIDT, born Dec 1897, Decatur Co. IA
      2. Elizabeth E. (DAUGHTON) PLUDE, born Aug 1899, Decatur Co. IA
      3. Maurice "James" DAUGHTON, born 12 Aug 1901, Decatur Co. IA; died 13 Sep 1974, Leon IA
          interment Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
      4. Monica DAUGHTON, born 1904, Decatur Co. IA; died 1925
          interment Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
      5. Julia Consuela DAUGHTON, born 19 Jun 1906, Decatur Co. IA; died 14 Oct 1998, Decatur Co. IA

10) Kathryn "Kate" DAUGHTON
    born 05 Jun 1865, Decatur Co. IA; died 1954, Westerville, Decatur Co. IA
    married 29 Apr 1889, Decatur Co. IA John "Jack" OWENS
    NOTE: John "Jack" OWENS, born 04 Apr 1858, IA; died Sept 1937, Beaconsfield, Ringgold Co. IA
    Jack's father Thomas OWENS was born 1827, County Meath, Ireland; died 1874, IA
              John's mother Ellen (BARRETT) OWENS was born 1828, County Cork, Ireland; died 1911, IA
    Kate and John were interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    Kate and John were the parents of 3 children:
      1. Dennis E. OWENS, born 25 Mar 1891, Decatur Co. IA; died Jul 1971, Tingley, Ringgold Co. IA
      2. Infant Daughter OWENS, interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
      3. Alice E. OWENS, born 07 Apr 1899, Decatur Co. IA; died Oct 1991
          married Raymond McGRAW, born 26 Aug 1892; died Dec 1971, Decatur Co. IA
          Raymond was the son of James & Matilda "Mattie" (GROGAN) McGRAW
          Alice and Raymond interred Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA
Transcriber's Note: Alice and Raymond resided in a glorious Victorian house, Westerville. Alice was always glad to receive visitors and enjoyed sharing her memories of life in Westerville before it became a ghost town.

11) Elizabeth Ann DAUGHTON, born 22 Jun 1868, Decatur Co. IA; residence Marion, Mercer Co. MO
    married 1892 Harden WASSON, born Dec 1868, IA
    NOTE: Harden was the son of Miles Abernathy (1826-1888) and Rachel Jane (STOKES) (1836-?)
    Elizabeth Ann and Harden resided in Pleasanton, IA, before moving to Missouri circa 1906.
    Elizabeth Ann and Harden were the parents of 6 children:
      1. Miles A. WASSON, born 10 Sep 1893, Lineville IA; died 31 Jan 1991, TX
          married 12 Jul 1919 Eula D. CUNNINGHAM (1895-1979)
          Child: Mildred WASSON, born 1921
      2. Mina WASSON, born circa 1894, IA
      3. Ruth WASSON, born circa 1897, IA
      4. Hulda WASSON, born circa 1901, IA
      5. Marie WASSON, born circa 1904, IA
      6. Florence WASSON, born circa 1907, MO

Edward "Neddie" CONWELL, born in Carrick, County Donegal, Ireland on December 23, 1830, one of two sons born to Patrick and Margaret (BRADY) CONWELL. Patrick, who was born in 1795, was the post master of Carrick. Margaret died when the boys, Edward and Stephen (born in 1828) were young inn 1840. Patrick remarried to Mary McBRARIETY and had four more children, Jane, Simon, George, and Ann.

When Stephen and Edward were young men, they came to America in 1853, settling in Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa, where they purchased 160 acres of raw land from the government at $1.25/acres, located three miles of the newly founded town of Westerville. After Mary (McBRAIETY) CONWELL's death, their father Patrick joined them, settling in Decatur County, Iowa, but died shortly after his arrival of paralysis in December of 1870, with interment at St. Ambrose Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, beside his son Stephen who had became ill suddenly and died September 20, 1867.

Edward CONWELL was among the many Irish peddlers traveling through the countryside during the 1850's and 1860's with a pack mule, bringing linen, woolen and lace material to settlers. One of Edward's common expressions was, "In troth never buy, til ya hev the mooney. If ya hev the mooney then buy and in troth it's a good deal." While peddling his wares, Edward met Julia DAUGHTON. Edward was a member of the Decatur County Board of Supervisors, January 1880 - 1883. Edward CONWELL died March 18, 1915, with interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa. Edward and Julia (DAUGHTON) CONWELL were married on January 19, 1870, and were the parents of twelve children, all born north of Grand River, Richland Township of Decatur County, Iowa, and nine who lived to adulthood:

1) Margaret E. CONWELL
    born 14 Jan 1870, Decatur Co. IA; died 1941, Creston, Union Co. IA, inter: Calvary Cem., Creston
    married Simon P. TREANOR (1865-1941)
    Son: James T. TREANOR, born 24 Sep 1896; died 24 Mar 1911, inter: Calvary Cemetery, Creston
    Son: Harry F. TREANOR, born 1901; died 1944, inter: Calvary Cemetery, Creston

2) Stephen Dominic CONWELL, born 11 Apr 1871; died 25 Oct 1931, Alturas, Modoc Co. CA
    married in Utah to Ellen MARTIN, born 23 Feb 1877, Belfast, Ireland; died 09 May 1932, Alturas CA
    Stephen and Ellen were the parents of 2 children:
      1. Donna Mary CONWELL
          born 19 Oct 1909 Salt Lake City, UT; died 10 Oct 2001, Grass Valley CA
          married 18 Nov 1937 Lakeview OR Thomas Robert FEE
          Thomas Robert FEE, born 14 Oct 1907; died 31 Oct 1976, San Diego CA
          Donna and Thomas were the parents of a son and a daughter.
      2. Edward M. CONWELL, born 10 Apr 1913, Reno NV; died 31 Mar 1990, Reno NV
          married Mary (?) (1913-2000)

3) James Maurice CONWELL, born 21 Aug 1872, Decatur Co. IA; died 09 Jun 1959, San Francisco CA

4) Julia "Anna" CONWELL
    born 15, Apr 1875, Decatur Co. IA; died 04 Feb 1975, Osceola, Clarke Co. IA
    married 10 Apr 1899 James John McGREEVY (15 Apr 1874, County Down, Ireland - Aug 1963)
    Julia and James were the parents of 2 daughters:
      1. Marie Ellen (McGREEVY) MAHONEY (1901-1981)
      2. Monica A. (McGREEVY) JENSEN (1905-?)

5) Simon William CONWELL, born 16 Oct 1876, Decatur Co. IA; died 11 Dec 1955, Sacramento CA
    In 1913, Simon was a clerk for the Surveyor General Office, Juneau, Alaska; attorney, Senica KS

6) Edward P. CONWELL
    born 27 Mar 1878, Decatur Co., IA; died 01 Dec 1957, Silver Bow MT
    married circa 1900 Callista SHAY of Maloy IA (01 Sep 1886 - 19 Feb 1988)
    moved to Red Lodge, Carbon Co MT; parents of 5 children
    Edward and Callista interred Red Lodge Cemetery, Red Lodge, Carbon Co. MT

7) Catherine M. CONWELL
    born 10 Apr 1881, Decatur Co. IA; died 10 Apr 1948 CA
    married 1915 John Francis WARD, born 1879 IL; died 1951 CA; 4 children:
      1. Mary Margaret WARD, born 26 Nov 1916, IA; died 1980
      2. John WARD, born circa 1919 IA
      3. Anna WARD, born 1920 IA
      4. Monica A. WARD, born circa 1922 IA

8) George L. CONWELL
    born 1883, Decatur Co. IA; died 1885, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

9) Luke Clement CONWELL
    born 19 Apr 1885, Decatur Co. IA; died 24 Dec 1972, Richland Twp., Decatur Co.
    Decatur County Supervisor for 3 terms, 1930's & 1940's.
    married 1911 Alma M. BARRETT, born Aug 1885 Milligan NE; died 1948, Decatur Co. IA
    NOTE: Alma was the daughter of William & Catherine (GROGAN) BARRETT
    Luke and Alma interred at Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
    Luke and Alma were the parents of 4 children:
      1. Julia K. CONWELL, born 08 Sep 1915; died 17 Sep 1915
          interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
      1. Nellie CONWELL, born 08 Nov 1917, Decatur Co. IA; died 21 May 1998, Osceola, Clarke Co. IA
          Nellie was a school teacher
          interment Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
      2. Mary "Evelyn" (CONWELL) MAHRENHOLZ, born 13 Jun 1919, Decatur Co. IA; died 03 Jul 2001
          employee of Younkers Department Store, Des Moines IA
      3. William Robert CONWELL, Private, U.S.Army, World War II
          born 24 Aug 1922, Decatur Co. IA; died 25 Dec 2005 Atherton CA

          engaged in insurance and real estate business
10) Francis Dennis "Frank" CONWELL
      born 11 Jan 1887, Decatur Co. IA; died 28 May 1970, Modesto, Stanislas Co. CA
      married 1922 Theresa C. LYONS (27 Mar 1892, Shieldsville MN - 26 Dec 1969, Modesto CA)
      Frank and Theresa were the parents of 4 children:
        1. Anna CONWELL, born Grand River, Decatur Co. IA
        2. Catherine CONWELL, born 1921, Grand River, Decatur Co. IA
        3. Julia Frances CONWELL, born 17 Oct 1924, Grand River IA; died 26 May 1993, Denver CO
            married R. F. KUTZ (1924-2006); 5 children
        4. Teresa CONWELL, born 27 Oct 1926, Grand River IA; died 25 Apr 1949, Manning IA

11) Infant CONWELL, twin, born 1888, Decatur Co. IA; died Apr 1888, Decatur Co. IA

12) Infant CONWELL, twin, born 1888, Decatur Co. IA; died Apr 1888, Decatur Co. IA

Corydon Democrat
Corydon, Iowa
March 2, 1905

Mr. John FENNELL, Jr., of this place, and Miss Nellie GROGAN, of Leon, were quietly married at the latter place Monday, Feb. 20th. The bride is a very popular young lady of Decatur County, a graduate, of Highland Park College, Des Moines, and has been engaged teaching school the past few years. The groom is known all over southern Iowa and northern Missouri as one of the most successful auctioneers in the state. They will make their home one mile south of Corydon, in the residence formerly owned by John E. WELCH. The Democrat tenders congratulations and best wishes.

Mount Ayr News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, September 24, 1896

The marriage of Miss Florence B. SHEIL, of Rice Township [Ringgold County], to Dennis DAUGHTON, of Leon, is to be solemnized at 8 o'clock this morning at the Catholic Church at Maloy. Rev. Father COOK will perform the ceremony in the presence of a large number of invited guests. The bride is to be attired in a tan-brown silk dress. After the ceremony a fine dinner is to be given at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James SHEIL. In the evening the bridal couple leave for Lamar, Mo., to visit for a short time with the bride's sister, Mrs. L. C. SHAY, after which they will go to their future home at Leon. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James SHEIL, who are highly respected citizens of this county. Her sweet disposition and excellent character have gained for her the esteem of all who know her. Mr. DAUGHTON is a young man in every way worthy of the bride he has won. The News joins heartily in wishing for Mr. and Mrs. DAUGHTON a long, happy and useful life.

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, November 20, 1919

Decatur County lost many brave lads who were serving with the navy, the army, or with the marines, during the late world war. The local chapter of the D.A.R. has compiled a list of these soldiers, sailors and marines with facts concerning their lives, home, parents and the manner in which death came to them. Our people hold the memory of these brave boys sacred. The list with the information given in each case will be of the deepest interest to the people of Decatur County. It is believed that the list is complete but if any have been missed in compiling this list the D.A.R. at Leon would be glad to have such information. The following facts concerning the brave Decatur County boys who went into the army, the navy and the marines to fight for the democracy of the world, should be preserved by Journal readers:

Leo DAUGHTON -- Son of James and Hannah (GRIFFIN) DAUGHTON, was born in Richland Township, Decatur County, June 2, 1895. Enlisted in U.S. Navy as 2d class seaman, June 6, 1918, at Des Moines, Iowa. Was transferred to Camp Logan, Great Lakes and later to Glen Burnie, Md., where he was coach on the N.R. range. Took influenza and was sent to Annapolis Hospital where he died October 14, 1918. Leo was interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa.

Leon Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, August 27, 1925

OBITUARY.

The shadow of death darkened the hearts of the community last Tuesday afternoon when it was learned that Monica DAUGHTON had passed away at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa, after an illness of fifteen weeks.

Miss Monica was born February 22, 1904; and died August 18, 1925. Her entire life was spent in their country home near Leon with the exception of the last three years, which were spent at College. She graduated from the Leon High School with the class of 1922, and at the time she was taken sick she was a member of the Junior Class of St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana.

The deceased had been ill but a few days at college when she was removed to Mercy Hospital where all that specialists, skilled nurses and loving hands could do was done. Her sickness began with typhoid fever but her death resulted from the complications which followed.

Miss Monica leaves to mourn her death, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis DAUGHTON, one brother, James, and three sisters, Margueritte and Julia, all of Leon, and Elizabeth, a registered nurse of Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, besides a host of relatives and friends.

The remains were brought to Leon Wednesday and the funeral was held Friday morning at nine o'clock from St. Brendan's Church where Solemn Requiem High Mass was celebrated for the repose of her soul.

The celebrant being Rev. J. C. MAHER, the Pastor Deacon, Rev. J. J. MOLYNEAUX of Red Oak; sub Deacon, Rev. W. A. COUGHLAN of Waukee, Master of Ceremonies, Rev. J. F. COSTELLO, of Audubon. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. F. NOONAN at St. Augustine's Church, Des Moines. Those present in the sanctuary were the following; Rev. F. LARKIN, Rev. J. MANNING, Rev. T. O. KEEFE, of Des Moines, Rev. P. O'DONNELL, of Massena, Rev. W. DALY of Osceola, and Rev. M. CULHANE, of Maloy.

Six of the first cousins of the deceased, Michael GROGAN, of Batavia; Dennis GROGAN, of Beaconsfield; Ed SHIEL, of Delphos; Paul SHAY and Parnell SHIEL, of Des Moines; and Ralph DAUGHTON, of Grand River, acted as pall bearers.

Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery near Woodland, Iowa.

Father NOONAN in few, but eloquent words, spoke of the beautiful young life in which the fruits of the Holy Ghost were manifest, which was taken away. "To see the young and beautiful die at a time when they are the pride and consolation of their family," from a human angle it is difficult to understand, the speaker said, yet I feel confident that the young girl lying in the casket would not change places with any of her relations who are left to mourn her loss.

The many kind deeds of the friends and neighbors and the floral offerings gave testimony more strongly than words of the high esteem in which dear Monica was held.

Interment was made at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

The Sentinel
Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa, 1975

JULIA McGREEVY RITES HELD

Funeral services were held Friday, February 7 [1975], for Julia Anna McGREEVY, 99, who died Thursday, February 4, 1975, at the Clarke County Public Hospital. Fathers Paul CONNELLY, Lawrence HOFFMAN, and Joseph McCONNELL conducted the 9:30 a.m. service from St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand River [Decatur County, Iowa]. A Rosary was held Thursday evening, February 6, at the Webster-Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment was in Leon Cemetery.

Julia Anna McGREEVY was born April 15, 1875, in Grand River, Iowa, daughter of Edward CONWELL and Anna DAUGHTON CONWELL. She attended schools in Decatur County and was married to James McGREEVY in 1899. Two children were born to this union.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand River.

She is survived by two daughters, Marie MAHONEY of Culver City, California and Monica JENSEN of Berkley Heights, New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James.

Houston Chronicle
Houston, Harris County, Texas
February 9, 1991

OBITUARY

Former Houstonian Miles WASSON died in San Antonio on January 31, 1991 at age 97. He was born in Lineville, Iowa on September 10, 1893. He served as Contact Director of the Houston Regional Office of the VA Administration for 17 years until retirement. He was past State Commander of the Veterans of World War I and past commander and life member of Houston's Space City Barracks, Veterans of WWI, American Legion Post 77, Bellaire VFW and Forty and Eight.

He was a member of Houston's First United Methodist Church and a Mason and Shriner.

Survivors include his daughter Mildred W. WHITEAKER of San Antonio, two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two sisters.

Chapel and graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm Tuesday February 5, 1991 at Forest Park Lawndale [Houston, Texas] with the Rev. Dr. Boyd WAGNER officiating. Sunset Funeral Home, 512-828-2811.

One of my most vivid and enduring recollections of my mother [Marguerite (DAUGHTON) SCHMIDT] happened one evening at our dinner table during the time she served as the director of social welfare in Decatur County, Iowa. She had obviously become very agitated by the day's events on the job. She reported to her five sons that particular evening that she had pointed her finger directly in the face of the county's state representative, a woman from Lamoni, Iowa, whose name I've long since forgotten, visiting her office demanding to inspect the files of certain Decatur County welfare recipients. I could see as she told us this story that she was inspired to the bottom of her rebellious Irish soul. And to make her point, she used her best Irish brogue to inform us that she had stated to the legislator emphatically, "You'll see the files of this office over my dead body."

May God bless this wonderful defender of privacy.

Reflecting on that evening as I grew older, I began to understand the visceral respect this Irish civics teacher had for the Bill of Rights in the American Constitution, much of which she could recite from memory.

I'd go on about her but, if you'll excuse me, I need to go dry my eyes and compose myself for a while.

- William L. SCHMIDT, Associate Chief Judge, National Labor Relations Board, Western United States; son of Marguerite (DAUGHTON) SCHMIDT

THE DENNIS MULLIN FAMILY

Dennis MULLIN was born in 1826, Kilshenagh Parish of County Kerry, Ireland. He married on February 18, 1849, Ohio, to Margaret HOULIHAN, born in 1832, County Kerry, Ireland. They came from Ohio to Iowa, settling in Woodland Township of Decatur County in 1858. The family moved to near Maloy, Ringgold County in 1876.

Margaret (HOULIHAN) MULLIN was born in 1832, County Kerry, Ireland, the daughter of Bartholomew and Mary HOLULIHAN. She died on January 13, 1920, Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa. Dennis died on April 18, 1892, near Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa.

The MULLIN family Bible states that Dennis and Margaret were interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa. Neither Margaret or Dennis are listed in the WPA Graves Survey. Other resources lists Dennis as being interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery near Maloy, Iowa; Margaret interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa. His gravestone, below, was photographed at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy.

Dennis and Margaret (HOULIHAN) MULLIN were the parents of twelve children:

1) Joseph MULLIN, twin, born 15 Sep 1851, OH; died Jul 1854, OH

2) Michael MULLIN, twin, born 15 Sep 1851, OH; died 18 Nov 1851/52, OH

3) Julia MULLIN, born 01 Sep 1853, OH; died Jul 1854, OH

4) Bartholomew MULLIN, born 24 Aug 1855, OH; died 09 Oct 1862, Decatur Co. IA
    first interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    Epitaph: "Lonely boy, how brief thy stay,
                  Short and hasty was thy day,
                  Ending soon thy sojourn here,
                  Pain or grief no more to bear."

5) Mary MULLIN, born 29 Dec 1857, Pickaway Co. OH; died 09 Oct 1944, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 1880 John Gerard HART, born 11 Apr 1855 NY; died 16 Aug 1907, Clearfield IA
    Mary and John interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    Mary and John were the parents of 12 children:
      1. Mary Catherine HART, born 21 Jan 1881, IA; died 12 Aug 1912, Denver CO; did not marry
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      2. Margaret Ellen HART, born 02 Aug 1883, IA; died 17 Apr 1962, Maloy IA
          married 1909 Robert Emmett SHAY, born 08 Jul 1884; died 27 Dec 1983
          NOTE: Robert son of Thomas S. (1855-1941) and Rosa (LAMBERT) (1851-1919)
          Margaret and Robert interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
          Margaret and Robert were the parents of 5 children:
            1. Margaret Rose SHAY
            2. Dennis SHAY
            3. Mary Callista SHAY, born 18 Dec 1910; died 29 Jan 2001
                married John Donald WARIN (1907-1986)
                Mary & John inter: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
                Child: John Thomas, born 08 Sep 1948; died 24 Apr 1949
                inter: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
            4. Rita Catherine SHAY, born 19 Apr 1915; died 15 Jun 2001
                inter: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
            5. Robert Thomas SHAY, born 08 Dec 1917; died 06 Jul 2001
                inter: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
                married 31 Dec 1944 Norma Lucille JONES, born 1921
      3. Elizabeth A. HART, born 25 Feb 1885, IA; died 13 Oct 1971; did not marry
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      4. Dennis J. HART, born 11 Oct 1887, IA; died 31 Jan 1958
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      5. Richard HART, born 16 Nov 1887, IA; died 24 Dec 1887
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      6. Carolyn Maxenta HART, born 02 Dec 1889, IA; died 10 Feb 1957
          married William Luke SHAY (1881-1956), son of Thomas S. & Rosa (LAMBERT) SHAY
          Carolyn and William interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
          Carolyn and William parents of 3 children:
            1. Richard Gerard SHAY, born 04 Oct 1916, Maloy IA; died 27 Oct 1965, Maloy IA
                married 27 Dec 1942 Lois HARVEY of Bedford IA (1915-1988); 4 children
                Richard and Lois interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
                Child: John G. SHAY, born and died 13 Jan 1946
                           interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
            2. William Edward SHAY, born 10 Nov 1918, Maloy IA; died 15 Nov 1982, Maloy IA
                World War II Veteran
                married Mabel REED, born 09 Sep 1919
                William and Mabel interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
            3. Muriel Miriam SHAY married Donald HEWITT
      7. John G. HART, born 21 Jan 1892, IA; died 30 May 1957
          Private, U.S. Army, World War I
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      8. Richard L. HART, born 21 Jan 1894, IA; died 02 Sep 1953
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      9. William "Edward" HART, born 12 Dec 1896, IA; died 28 Dec 1962
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      10. James A. HART, born circa 1898, IA
      11. Katie HART, born 11 May 1899, IA; died 23 May 1899, IA
           interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      12. Helen L. HART, born circa 1902, IA; married Earl PIERCE

6) Edward Dennis MULLIN
    born 11 Apr 1860, Decatur Co. IA; died 05 Dec 1915, Maloy, Ringgold Co., IA
    married 05 Oct 1886 Ellen MALONEY, born 18 Mar 1863, IL; died 14 Feb 1940, Maloy IA
    Edward and Ellen interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA

 

      Edward and Ellen were the parents of 13 children:
      1. Dennis Edward MULLIN, born 07 Aug 1887, Clearfield IA; died 28 Jan 1970, Davenport IA
          married 1915 Sarah Catherine "Kate" REAGAN (1894-1972)
          interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport IA; 4 children:
            1. Thomas Edward MULLIN, born 04 Aug 1916; died 15 Apr 1998, Davenport IA
                WWII Veteran, 45th Seabees, U.S. Navy
                married Marion Emma STAMER; 5 children
                Thomas and Marion interred Mt. Cavalry Cemetery, Davenport IA
            2. John Martin MULLIN, born 08 Sep 1918; died 24 Oct, Goose Lake, IA
                 married Gloria SEEMAN
                John interred Mt. Cavalry Cemetery, Davenport IA
                John and Gloria were the parents of 7 children: Patrick John, Louis Gerard, James Thomas,                  Kevin Michael, Peggy Ann, Daniel Duane, Dale Edward
            3. Sister Margaret Mary MULLIN, took vows in 1945
                born 25 Sep 1920; died 06 Nov 2007, Dubuque IA
                interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Dubuque Co. IA
            4. Catherine Rose MULLIN married William Henry DALEY
                5 children: Richard, Stephen, Thomas, Ann, David
      2. Michael John MULLIN, born Jul 1889; died 1963, Creston, Union Co. IA
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      3. Mary E. MULLIN, born 06 Aug 1892; died 07 Aug 1951, Ringgold Co. IA
          married 22 Oct 1912 Thomas Stephen SHAY Jr. (1888-1954)
          NOTE: Thomas son of Thomas Stephen and Rose (LAMBERT) SHAY
          Mary & Thomas interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      4. Bernard MULLIN, born 02 Sep 1894; died 23 Sep 1894
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      5. William Leo "Pete" MULLIN, born Oct 1895
          married 29 Nov 1923 Cora DORR of Bedford IA, born 1900; died 26 Jan 1954
          NOTE: Cora was interred at Calvary Cemetery, Corning, Adams Co. IA
          Children: Maurice and William Eddie, born 12 Apr 1928
      6. James Andrew MULLIN, born 18 Mar 1900; died 15 May 1974, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
          married 23 Feb 1922 Grace Marie HAYES, born 09 May 1903; died 01 Jul 1975, Creston IA
          interment Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union Co. IA; 4 children

7) Ellen Josephine MULLIN
    born 20 Jul 1862, Decatur Co. IA; died 02 Dec 1941, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 20 Oct 1885 Michael Chancey SHAY (20 Feb 1862, Maloy IA - 05 Jan 1945, Maloy IA)
    Note: Michael was the son of William & Julia (WHELAN) SHAY of Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    Ellen and Michael interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
    Ellen and Michael were the parents of 4 children:
      1. Edward Luke SHAY, born 15 Sep 1887; died 20 Jan 1902
          interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      2. Dennis R. SHAY, born 25 Apr 1890; died 08 May 1949
          married 20 Sep 1910 Mary "Monica" O'CONNER (1886-1944)
          Dennis and Monica interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
          Dennis and Monica were the parents of 4 children:
            1. Helen Marie SHAY, born 04 Nov 1911; died 08 Oct 1976
                married 1938 Richard MONAHAN (1908-1942); 3 children
            2. Monica Irene SHAY married Jason Arnold PARKS; 3 children
            3. Kathryn Jane SHAY
            4. Dennis R. SHAY, Jr. married Janet Marcella GLASSCOCK; 3 children
      3. Infant SHAY, interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      4. Infant Daughter SHAY, born 1901; died 01 Oct 1901, inter: St. Mary's, Maloy IA

  8) Dennis MULLIN Jr., born 06 Jan 1865, Decatur Co. IA; died 29 Jan 1948, Creston IA
    residence: Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 17 Feb 1890 Mary "Catherine" SULLIVAN, born 16 Sep 1869, Leon IA; died 1960
    NOTE: Mary Catherine was the daughter of Roger SULLIVAN (1841-1871)
              & Hannah DILLON, born 1847, Ireland.
    Dennis and Catherine interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, Ringgold Co. IA
    Dennis and Mary "Catherine" were the parents of 6 children:
      1. Dennis "Roger" MULLIN
          born 08 Apr 1891, near Clearfield IA; died 19 Jul 1948, Oakdale Sanitorium
          married 02 Sep 1918 Rose FLANAGAN, born 1892; died Mar 1939
          Roger and Rose interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
          Roger and Rose were the parents of 1 child
      2. James MULLIN, born 05 Feb 1893, IA; died 07 Jun 1934 car accident, Omaha, Douglas Co. NE
          married Marjorie ACKERMAN, died 1955, NY
      3. Catherine MULLIN, born 27 Nov 1896, IA; mother of 5 children
          married 1925 Louis F. MOORE, died 18 Jun 1959, Creston IA
      4. John "Maurice" MULLIN, born 1900, IA; died 02 Aug 1957, CA
          married Madele WIDNER; 3 children
      5. William MULLIN, born Jan 1901, IA; died 16 Mar 1901, IA
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      6. Robert MULLIN, born 1908, IA; married Madge SPRINGER; 4 children:
          1. Dennis MULLIN
          2. Robert MULLIN
          3. Michael MULLIN
          4. Kathleen MULLIN

  9) John Martin MULLIN, born 01 Sep 1868, Decatur Co. IA; died 14 May 1947, Mitchell SD
    married 1885, Ringgold Co. IA Nano O'CONNOR (05 Sep 1869, IL - 07 Aug 1968, Dakota City IA)
    John and Nano interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
    John and Nano were the parents of 9 children:
      1. Bryan Mitchell MULLIN, born circa 1895, IA; married Gertrude MOONEY
      2. Dennis MULLIN, born 31 Dec 1898; died 19 Aug 1899, Maloy IA
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      3. James A. MULLIN, born circa 1900, IA; married Marjorie HANSON
      4. Thomas E. "Tom" MULLIN, born 25 May 1902, IA; died 18 Aug 1995, Creston IA
          married Gertrude MERAUGH, born 26 Sep 1903; died Mar 1996, Creston IA
          Tom and Gertrude were the parents of 4 children:
            1. Sally MULLIN
            2. Shirley MULLIN
            3. Joy MULLIN
            4. Donald MULLIN
      5. Margaret MULLIN, born 13 Feb 1906, IA; died 14 Nov 1988, Corning, Adams Co. IA
          married T. A. MITCHELL
      6. John MULLIN, Jr., born 1907, IA; died 1909, IA; inter: Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      7. Mary C. MULLIN, born circa 1908, IA; married Thomas "Tom" WALKER
          Child: Nora WALKER
      8. William "Eugene" MULLIN, born 26 Oct 1909, IA; died Oct 1982, Corning, Adams Co. IA
          married Juanita POLSON, born 04 Jun 1921; died 02 Jan 1996, Corning IA
          Eugene and Juanita were the parents of 3 children:
           1. Michael MULLIN
           2. Patrick MULLIN
           3. John MULLIN
      9. Helen L. MULLIN, born circa 1913, SD

10) Catherine MULLIN, born 16 Sep 1870, Decatur Co. IA; died 05 Feb 1896
      did not marry; interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA

11) James MULLIN
    born 25 May 1873, Decatur Co. IA; died 04 May 1881, interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA

12) William Patrick MULLIN
    born 03 Mar 1878 near Maloy IA; died 13 Jan 1936, inter: St. Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
    married 1900 Ellen LAMBERT, born 1880, IA; died 1965
    William and Ellen interred Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy, IA
    William and Ellen were the parents of 11 children:
      1. Madge MULLIN, born 03 Dec 1901; died 1972
          married Des Moines IA Sherlock GILLESPIE, died Jan 1948
          Madge and Sherlock were the parents of 2 daughters
      2. William Dennis MULLIN, born 14 Feb 1904; died 23 Feb 1906
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
      3. Joseph E. MULLIN, born 16 Dec 1906, CO; died 29 Dec 1995, Sioux City, Woodbury Co. IA
          married Katherine NOVENSKI, born 22 Sep 1906; died Jan 1978, Sioux City IA
          Joseph and Katherine were the parents of 8 children:
            1. Margaret MULLIN
            2. Helen MULLIN
            3. Thomas MULLIN
            4. William MULLIN
            5. Mary Elizabeth MULLIN
            6. Kay MULLIN
            7. Teresa MULLIN
            8. Joseph MULLIN
      4. Mary M. MULLIN, born circa 1909, CO
      5. Kathleen MULLIN, born 05 Mar 1911, IA; died 04 May 2006, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
          married Gregory J. RYAN, born 21 Jan 1911; died 16 Oct 1995, Des Moines IA
          Kathleen and Gregory were the parents of 4 children:
            1. Gregory RYAN, Jr.
            2. Regina RYAN
            3. Kay RYAN
            4. Jerry RYAN
      6. Anna R. MULLIN, born circa 1912, IA
      7. Edward J. MULLIN, born 29 Jan 1914, IA; died 11 Feb 1994
          married Zella LUNDGREN; 1 daughter
      8. Donald James MULLIN, born 29 Aug 1916, Ringgold Co. IA; died 14 Apr 2001, Sioux City IA
          married Dorothy Gertrude FRANCKE, born 1915, MI; died 1995, Sioux City IA
          Donald and Dorothy were the parents of 3 children:
            1. Richard MULLIN
            2. Thomas MULLIN
            3. Susan MULLIN
      9. Ellen R. MULLIN, born circa 1919, IA
      10. Julia MULLIN, born 02 Dec 1925, IA; died 30 May 1993, Dixon, Solano Co. CA
            married Roscoe RICE, born 20 May 1922; died 13 Dec 1987, Dixon CA
            Julia and Roscoe were the parents of 6 children
      11. Regina MULLIN married Cleo LYNCH; 2 daughters: Joyce and Joan LYNCH

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, December 11, 1941

MALOY'S OLDEST LADY, MRS. M. C. SHAY, DIES

One of Maloy’s oldest citizens, Mrs. M. [ichael] C. [hauncey] SHAY, died Tuesday evening at her home in Maloy. Mrs. SHAY [Ellen MULLIN], who was 79 years of age, had been in failing health for some time.

She is survived by her husband, one son, Dennis R.; one grandson, Dennis R. Jr.; three granddaughters, Mrs. Richard MONAHAN of Chicago; Mrs. Arnold PARKS of Marshalltown, Miss Kathryn Jane SHAY of Des Moines; and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday morning at 9:30 o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church in Maloy conducted by the Rev. M. J. CULHANE. Interment was in the Saint Mary’s cemetery [near Maloy, Iowa].

THE PATRICK MULLINS FAMILY

Patrick was born in County Kerry, Ireland on February 29, 1828, and died in Decatur County, Iowa, on February 3, 1905, with interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa. Patrick, who used the surname MULLINS, and his family came to Iowa from Ohio in 1866. The MULLINS home was located 12 miles north of Leon. On the day of Patrick's funeral, Sunday, February 6th, the temperature was 24 degrees below zero and the snow was so high that the roads were impassable. Patrick's body was carried to the cemetery by bobsled. Because of the snow, the entourage were required to borrow fresh teams of horses as they went along and cut the fences as they proceeded across fields. Once the entourage arrived at the unfinished church, they brought Patrick's body in among the wood shavings and plaster on the floor. There wasn't any heat in the church. Nor was there a priest. Samuel WALLACE of Creston led the few who had gathered in saying the Rosary and the Litany. Then those congregated took Patrick's body to the cemetery [St. Mary's, Woodland Twp., Decatur County] and buried him.

Patrick MULLIN married April 23, 1861, Pickaway County, Ohio, to Margaret Catherine HOFFHINES, born December 8, 1838, Pickaway County, Ohio, and died on April 29, 1929, Decatur County, Iowa, with interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

circa 1898

Standing, left to right: Jonas Albert, Julia Alice, Stephen Maurice, James Patrick, Nancy Elizabeth, Margaret Etna, William Henry, Samuel Michael, Dennis Edward

Seated, left to right: Joseph Willard, Mary Martha, George Laurence, Patrick MULLINS, Clement Thomas, Margaret Catherine (HOFFHINES) MULLINS, Catherine Ellen

Patrick and Margaret Catherine were the parents of fifteen children:

1) Joseph Willard MULLINS
    born 09 May 1861, Pickaway Co. OH; died 16 Apr 1922, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    married 1884 Margaret Ellen "Maggie" BARRETT (15 Mar 1861 - 25 Dec 1935, Des Moines IA)
    Joseph and Maggie interred at St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp. Decatur Co. IA
    Joseph and Maggie were the parents of 9 children:
      1. Leonard "William" MULLINS
          born 20 Nov 1886, Garden Grove IA; died 12 May 1956, Des Moines IA
          married 28 Feb 1927 Mary Lucinda CHAMPION, born 17 Jun 1900; 3 children
      2. Margaret Ellen MULLINS, born 18 Feb 1888, Decatur Co. IA; died 17 Jul 1964, Portsmouth VA
      3. Ollie Marea MULLINS, born 08 Jul 1889, Decatur Co. IA; died 26 Oct 1895, Decatur Co. IA
          Ollie died from diptheria. Inter: St. Mary's Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
      4. John Patrick MULLINS, born 06 Oct 1890, Decatur Co. IA; died 30 Dec 1963, Des Moines IA
          interment Saint Mary's Cemetery, Maloy IA
          married 12 Jun 1939 Camilla SOUTER, born 13 Jul 1904; died 09 Jul 1960, Des Moines IA
      5. Emmett Bernard MULLINS, born 31 May 1894, Decatur Co., IA; died 1954
          married 25 May 1921, Sioux City IA Ruby Alice MALCOLM, born 27 Jan 1898; died 20 Jun 1948
      6. Hazel "Edna" MULLINS
          born 11 Oct 1896, Decatur Co. IA; died 06 Oct 1977, Milo, Warren Co. IA
          married William Bryan BUCKINGHAM
                      born 03 Sep 1897, Decatur Co. IA; died 07 Apr 1977, New Virginia, Warren Co. IA
          Edna and William interred Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
          Edna and William were the parents of 8 children:
            1. Margaret BUCKINGHAM
                born 24 Jul 1921, Decatur Co. IA; died 10 Apr 2008, Milo, Warren Co. IA
                married 24 Jul 1940, Leon, IA Clifford HEMBRY
                NOTE: Clifford HEMBRY, born 10 Apr 1919, Grand River IA; died 12 Nov 2001, Milo IA
                Margaret and Clifford were the parents of 7 children.
            2. Joseph William "Joe" BUCKINGHAM
                born 25 Mar 1923, Decatur Co. IA; died 23 May 2009, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
                WWII Veteran, Medic in U.S. Army
                married 14 Feb 1947 Rosetta SMITH; 12 children
            3. Raymond Frederick BUCKINGHAM
                born 29 Aug 1924, Decatur Co. IA; died 10 Mar 1996, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
                interment Leon Cemetery, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
                married 08 Sep 1948, Leon IA Dorothy Irene LOY; 8 children
            4. James Robert BUCKINGHAM married Sarah Ellen (?); 4 children
            5. John BUCKINGHAM; married with seven children, including twins:
                Gene O. and Gerald C., born & died 17 Apr 1948, interment Leon Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
            6. Elaine (BUCKINGHAM) VanPELT; 5 children
            7. Charles Emmett BUCKINGHAM
                born 10 Dec 1935, Decatur Co. IA; died 11 Dec 2003, Leon IA
                married 31 Dec 1972 Jeannette Jalene SHUTT
            8. Joan (BUCKINGHAM) SMITH, married with 4 children, including:
                Norma Annette SMITH, born 08 Feb 1963; died 09 Feb 1963
      7. Raymond Ellis MULLINS, born 24 Aug 1898, Decatur Co. IA; died 19 Apr 1957, Leon IA
          married 1919 June Elizabeth CHASTAIN, born 09 Jul 1900, Decatur Co. IA
            Child: Bernard Ellis MULLIN born 27 Jan 1921
      8. Julia Alma MULLINS, born 16 Jan 1901, Decatur Co. IA
          married 1929 Leo J. GOLDEN, born 11 Jan 1902; died 15 Mar 1957, Portsmouth VA; 2 children

2) Rose Altha MULLINS, born 16 Jan 1863, OH; died Apr 1865, Pickaway Co. OH

3) Mary Martha Jane MULLINS, born 18 Oct 1864, Pickaway Co. OH; died 24 Oct 1953, Decatur Co. IA
    married 1887 Michael GROGAN, born Mar 1863, NY; died 15 Jan 1916, Decatur Co. IA
    NOTE: Michael son of Thomas (1830-1875) and Catherine (HASSETT) GROGAN (1836-1900)
    Mary Martha and Michael interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
    Mary Martha and Michael C. GROGAN were the parents of 9 children:
      1. Ida GROGAN
      2. Albert GROGAN
      3. William GROGAN
      4. Paul GROGAN
      5. Alice Veronica GROGAN, born May 1889, Decatur Co. IA
          married 02 Feb 1910 Nathan Archibald BOYCE, born 1887, IA; died 18 Oct 1950
          Alice and Nathan were the parents of 8 children:
          1. James BOYCE, K.I.A. WWII 06 Dec 1944, Leyte Island, Phillipines
          2. Harry BOYCE, twin, born 12 Jan 1921, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
          3. Howard BOYCE, twin, born 12 Jan 1921, Leon, Decatur Co. IA
          4. Elsie "Layola" BOYCE, born 1922; died 1927
              interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
          5. Francis BOYCE
          6. Maurine (BOYCE) WILLIAMSON
          7. Margaret (BOYCE) SPONSLER
          8. Nathan "Bernard" BOYCE, born 20 Feb 1915, IA; died 24 May 1988, San Jose CA
              married Alice Marie ARCHER, born 03 Jul 1920; died 25 Dec 1977, Deschutes OR
                Child: 1 daughter
      6. Leo GROGAN, born 1893; died 1936, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
          interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA
      7. John GROGAN, born 31 May 1895; died Jan 1957
      8. Child GROGAN
      9. Maurice GROGAN, born circa 1905

4) Nancy Elizabeth "Nannie" MULLINS
    born 26 Mar 1866, Pickaway OH; died 14 Dec 1927, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
    did not marry; interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

5) Samuel Michael MULLINS, born 14 Dec 1867, Decatur Co. IA; died Oct 1914, Decatur Co. IA
    did not marry; interred St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

6) Jonas Albert MULLINS, born 24 Feb 1870, Decatur Co. IA; died 24 Dec 1927, inter: Minneapolis MN
    married 1898 Catherine "Kate" GROGAN, born 17 Apr 1876, IA; died 1967, Minneapolis MN
    NOTE: Kate was the daughter of John (1841-1887) & Margaret (QUILTY) GROGAN (1855-?)
    Jonas Albert and Catherine "Kate" were the parents of 5 children
      1. Gerold MULLINS, born 25 Jan 1900, Omaha NE; died 28 Apr 1982, Minneapolis MN
          married Ruth Ann KAMMERER; 4 children
      2. John MULLINS, born 22 Dec 1900, NE; died 05 Sep 1950, Minneapolis MN
          married Margaret FORBES
      3. Edward MULLINS, born circa 1902, NE; died 1996
      4. Daniel Albert "Dan" MULLINS, born 24 Sep 1903, Minneapolis MN; died Jan 1986, Marshfield WI
          married circa 1939 Marjorie LaPALME, born circa 1913; 2 children
      5. Grace MULLINS, born 1906, Minneapolis MN; married James C. FINNEGAN; 3 children

7) Julia Alice MULLINS, born 12 Feb 1872, Decatur Co. IA; died 01 Dec 1911, OR
    married 21 Jun 1906, Lucas Co. IA Henry PERFIELD, born circa 1872; died 1900
    Julia and Henry were the parents of 5 children:
      1. Sister PERFIELD, Catholic nun
      2. Katherine PERFIELD
      3. Living Daughter PERFIELD
      4. Magaret PERFIELD
      5. Monica PERFIELD

8) James Patrick MULLIN
    born 09 Oct 1873, Decatur Co. IA; died 30 Mar 1950, interment: Minneapolis MN
    married Jan 1903 Edna BOWERMAN, born 1874; died 1908
      Child: Julian MULLIN, born 1907

9) Catherine Ellen MULLINS, born 26 Feb 1875, Decatur Co. IA; died Feb 1966, SD
    married 1900, IA to Frank HICKMAN, born circa 1875, IA; died SD
      Child: Margaret Genevieve HICKMAN, born circa 1916, IA

10) William Henry MULLINS, born 17 Oct 1876, Decatur Co. IA; died 25 Nov 1932, Silverton CO
      married 1st 1906 Katherine "Kitty" ALWARD, born 1884; died 08 Jan 1921, CO; 5 children:
        1. Billy MULLINS
        2. Catherine MULLINS
        3. Julia MULLINS
        4. Margaret MULLINS
        5. Mary MULLINS
      married 2nd 1931 Kate CONWAY, born 1876; died 11 Jun 1932

11) Dennis Edward MULLINS, born 28 May 1878, Decatur Co. IA; died 24 Oct 1953, St. Louis MO
        married May 1909, IA Teresa "Tess" PENNY, born 1878; died 1914; 2 children:
          1. Clement MULLINS, born 1909
          2. Catherine MULLINS, born 1914

12) Stephen Maurice MULLINS, born 14 Jan 1880, Decatur Co. IA; died 08 May 1968, Durango CO
        married 1st 1910, IA Mary COLE, born circa 1880, IA; died 1913; 3 children:
          1. Stephen Joseph MULLINS
          2. Mary Ella MULLINS married Thomas FULMER
          3. Billy Cole MULLINS
        married 2nd 1924 Lelah M. MORGAN, born 08 Nov 1892; died Mar 1982, Durango CO
          1. Patty MULLINS

13) Margaret Etna "Maggie" MULLINS
      born 17, Dec 1881, Decatur Co. IA; died 01 Dec 1955, Decatur Co. IA; inter: St. Brendan Cem.
      married 20 Feb 1905 Bert STILES, born Oct 1882; died 14 Feb 1936, High Point, Decatur Co. IA
      Margaret Etna and Bert STILES resided in Garden Grove, Decatuar Co. IA
      Margaret and Bert were the parents of 2 daughters:
        1. Dorothy STILES, born circa 1906, IA; married Harold HITT
        2. Mary Jane STILES, born circa 1918, IA

14) George Laurence MULLINS, born 17 Apr 1883, Decatur Co. IA; died 1955, Long Beach CA
      Rock Island Railroad conductor; retired to Long Beach CA
      married 1905 Florence Gould WEBSTER, born 1883, IA
      George and Florence were the parents of 2 children:
        1. Elsie B. (MULLINS) GORDON
        2. Ruth M. (MULLINS) WILSON

15) Clement Thomas Grover Cleveland MULLINS
      born 21 Feb 1885, Decatur Co. IA; died 14 Sep 1966, Pipestone MN
      married 21 Oct 1912 Mary Isabell "Mae" McGINTY, born 24 Jun 1890; died 05 Sept 1969
      Clement and Mae were the parents of 4 children:
        1. Marguerite Elizabeth MULLINS, born 1914, MN; married Donald Edwin ANDERSON; 3 children
        2. Mary Clementine MULLINS, born 16 May 1916, MN; died Aug 1929
        3. Maurice Joseph MULLINS married Catherine Kay DOYLE; 6 children
        4. Michael John MULLINS married Catherine BORGMAN; 4 children

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, July 24, 1902

The little 3 year old girl of Jos. MULLINS, living on the LUCAS farm near the Butcher ford, seized an ounce phial of iodine Tuesday morning and drank the contents.

Hastily calling up Dr. WHEELER by phone, Mr. MULLINS advised him of the little one's plight and the doctor directed the giving of an emetic which was promptly administered, resulting in the upheaval of the deadly fluid, thus saving the child's life.

Dr. WHEELER immediately drove to Mr. MULLINS' and found the babe out of danger, although very weak and its throat somewhat burned from the double passage of iodine.

To his enterprise in having a phone installed in his house, Mr. MULLINS can accredit the saving of the child's life, as Dr. WHEELER is of the opinion that only the immediate administration of the emetic saved it from death. Tally one for the telephone.

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, January 30, 1919

A pretty wedding was solemnized at St. Brendan's Parsonage, Leon, Wednesday evening at 7:00 o'clock. The contracting parties being Mr. Raymond E. MULLIN and Miss Julia E. CHASTAIN, both of Leon.

The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. Father J. C. MAHER, Pastor of the church. The bride was attired in a beautiful gown of pearl grey messaline with bead trimmings. The groom wore the conventional blue serge.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.E. CHASTAIN, of near Leon, and is a very charming young lady. She attended the Leon High School for two years. The groom is a young man of sterling qualities and one of Decatur County's prosperous farmers. They will reside on the groom's farm northeast of Leon.

A large number of friends extend congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, January 22, 1903

A beautiful home wedding took place at the home of Mr. and MRS. E. W. BOWERMAN near Decatur City, Jan. 18, 1903. The contracting parties were Miss Edna BOWERMAN, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. BOWERMAN and Mr. James P. MULLIN, of Mankato, Minn. Promptly at 1 o'clock the bride and groom, preceded by the officiating minister, Rev. E. B. SCROGGAN, marched under the beautifully decorated wedding arch in the parlor to the strains of a Beethoven march rendered by Mrs. Rev. SCROGGAN on the piano. After the vows were plighted and the numerous relatives and friends present had congratulated the happy young couple, all repaired to the dining room where a beautifully decorated and ladened banquet table was spread. The afternoon was spent with music of various kinds and conversation. Many beautiful and useful presents were received by the bride and groom as pleasant reminders of the affection and esteem of relatives and friends. The bride and groom will leave in a few days for their future home at Mankato, Minn., where the groom has a good position as a railroad man.

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, February 9, 1905

OBITUARY.

In the death of Patrick MULLIN, who died at his home near Weldon last Friday, Decatur County lost one of its pioneer settlers and a good old man who had not an enemy in the whole world. Mr. MULLIN was born in County Kerry, Ireland, about the year l832. His father died when he was quite young and when he was ten years old, he came to America. Nearly fifty years ago he came to Decatur County and settled on a farm in Eden Township where he resided until a few years ago when he sold it and moved on a farm near Weldon. He was married to Margaret C. HOFFHINES, a native of Ohio, and they were the parents of fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters.

The funeral was held on Sunday from the Catholic Church in Woodland, interment in the Catholic Cemetery.

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, Feburary 19, 1920

A pretty wedding was solemnized at St. Brendan's Parsonage in Leon, Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, the contracting parties being Wm. BUCKINGHAM and Miss Hazel MULLINS, both of Leon. The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. Father J. C. MAHER, Pastor of St. Brendan's Catholic Church. The attendants were Julia and John MULLINS, sister and brother of the bride. The bride was attired in a handsome gown of white satin charmeuse, trimmed in silk braid and wore a beautiful strand of pearls. The bridesmaid wore a dress of wine collored messaline. The groom wore a suit of dark brown.

The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J[ames]. W[illard]. MULLINS, of near Leon, and is a charming young lady. She is a graduate of the Leon High School and for several years has been one of Decatur County's most successful teachers. The groom is a young man of sterling qualities and one of Decatur County's prosperous farmers. They will reside on the groom's farm near Decatur. Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Mr. and Mrs. BUCKINGHAM from a host of friends.

Leon Reporter, Leon, Decatur County, Iowa

OBITUARY - JOSEPH W. MULLIN

Joseph W. MULLIN was born in Ohio May 9, 1860, died at his home near Leon, Iowa, April 16, 1922, aged 61 years, 11 months and 7 days.

When a lad of only six years MR. MULLIN came to Iowa with his parents, who settled in Woodland township, and he has made his home in Decatur county ever since, engaged in farming. He was a very genial fellow, and made friends of all with whom he came in contact. He had been sick for several months suffering from a complication of diseases. He was united in marriage to Miss Maggie E. BARRETT in Decatur county on August 3, 1884, and to their union were born eight children, one daughter Ollie Marea dying at the age of six years.

He is survived by his wife and seven children. Wm. L., of Des Moines, Nellie M., of Washington, D. C., John P., of near Leon, Emmet B., of Sioux City, Mrs. Edna E. BUCKINGHAM, of near Leon, Raymond E. and Julia A., who are at home. He also leaves his aged mother, Mrs. M. C. MULLIN, of Leon, four sisters and seven brothers, Miss Nannie MULLIN, of Leon, Mrs. Mary GROGAN, of Sioux City, Mrs. Katie HICKMAN, of Wood, S. D., Mrs. Maggie STILES, of Decatur, Albert and James of Minneapolis, Minn., Will and Steve of Durango, Colorado, Ed of St. Louis, Mo., George of Council Bluffs and Cleve of Worthington, Minn., besides a host of friends all over Decatur county.

Funeral services were held at St. Brendan's church in Leon, Tuesday morning interment being at the Catholic cemetery in Woodland township.

OBITUARY - MRS. ELLEN MULLIN

Ellen MALONEY, daughter of Michael MALONEY and Mary MULICK, was born in Illinois March 18, 1863, and passed away at her home in Maloy, Iowa on the 14th day of February, 1940. She was a member of a large family of 14 children, including William, Edward, Patrick, Mike, Catherine, Anne, Andrew, Sarah, Julia, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth.

Funeral services for Ellen MALONEY MULLIN were conducted at the Immaculate Conception church at Maloy, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1940. The pall bearers were John M. MULLIN, grandson of the deceased, Edward CARROLL, nephew; and D. R. SHAY, Joe MULLIN, Tom MULLIN and John HART, nephews-in-law.

The Leon Journal-Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

OBITUARY - JOE BUCKINGHAM

Joseph William BUCKINGHAM, age 86 of Leon, Iowa, son of William Bryan BUCKINGHAM and Edna Elizabeth MULLINS, was born March 25, 1923 in Decatur County. Joe passed peacefully from this life on My 23, 2009, surrounded by his beloved wife of 62 years and other family members, gathered in prayer.

Joe was born and raised in Decatur County, which was always home for him. Joe attended Decatur High School and graduated in 1941. From 1943 to 1946, Joe served in the European theatre in WWII, as a medic in the U.S. Army. Joe valued his military service as an important opportunity to serve his country and the experience helped to shape the man he would become. For his family, his wartime experience continues to provide an example of service and self-sacrifice, even at great cost, and it forms the legacy that he leaves behind.

On February 14, 1947, Joseph married the love of his life, Rosetta SMITH at St. Brendan's Catholic Church in Leon, Iowa. After they married, Joe and Rosetta chose this area to start and raise their family. Joe was an honest, hardworking farmer, who, with the unwavering support of his wife, worked tirelessly to support their growing family. Joe and Rosetta ultimately purchased their own farm, now owned and farmed by their youngest son.

Joe and Rosetta spent their well-deserved retirement enjoying friends and family, and traveling where time and money permitted. Form 1985 to 2000, Joe and Rosetta wintered in Arizona, which afforded them the opportunity to develop new friendships and escape the brutal Iowa winters. Joe never knew a stranger and would stop and speak to anyone.

Joe was a lifelong Catholic, a faithful parishioner at St. Brendan's, and a devoted follower of Christ. His faith was unshakeable, even as he declined in health. Toward the end of his life, when his faculties were the weakest, he would he would conserve and cherish his energy so that he could attend Mass when it was offered. He insisted on attending as long as he was able.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Joy, two sisters Elaine Van PELT and Margaret HEMBRY, and two of his brothers Raymond and Charles BUCKINGHAM.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rosetta, and his 11 remaining children; Fred (Kathy), Tim (Marie), Kevin (Linda), Linda BUCKINGHAM, Crystal (Garry) LEAHY, Melody (Ken) HUSAK, Kim (Chanda), Karman (Connie), Star BETHARDS, June (Doug) DOWNS, Brent (Sonya); brothers, James (wife Sarah) and John (wife) Gladys and sister Joan (husband Davie SMITH). Joe is also survived by 37 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends, who all dearly loved him and are strengthened by the example of his life and the courage with which he lived it.

NOTE:
Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union County, also known as Creston Catholic Cemetery
St. Mary's Cemetery, Woodland Twp., Decatur County, also known as Catholic Cemetery
When a date is in conflict, I have used the date from either the obituary or the cemetery transcription.

SOURCES:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_potato_famine
whyfiles.org/128potato_blight/
U.S. Social Security Death Index, ancestry.com
WPA Graves Survey
politicalgraveyard.com/bio/daughton-daveis.html
Reflections of Grand River, Iowa: 1881 - 1981
LEWIS, Charles E. The Land of Dreams: The Famine Irish Emmigrant Experience in Iowa 2001.
HARKIN, Father Edward J. Taylor County Newspaper Abstracts, iagenweb.org/taylor/ANI/m-names/M450-456.htm

Compilation and Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2009