The subject of this biographical sketch was born in the parish of Killeagh, County Cork , Ireland, September 29, 1825, his parents being John and Mary Doyle. When he grew up he learned the butcher's trade and followed it for many years after coming to America. He arrived in New York in May of 1850, and immediately went to Wisconsin, where he remained until the fall of 1852. He then returned to New York, where he continued working at his trade until 1854; when the gold fever was at its height in California he decided that chances for a young man were better on the Pacific slope, and money more plentiful, and to better his condition he went to San Francisco and remained there until 1861, when he came east as far as Iowa and settled in Scott County, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Winfield Township. This farm he improved and in later years built on it one of the finest dwellings in the Township.
Having accumulated a comfortable competence and retired from business Mr. Doyle, accompanied by his wife, revisited California in 1892, and while stopping at a hotel in San Francisco both met death from asphyxiation. From a letter partially written, which was found in their rooms, it seemed that Mr. Doyle had retired early for the night and, Mrs. Doyle's thoughts turning homeward, she started a letter to her family, which was never finished. The shock was a terrible blow to their children and friends in Scott County, and the community as well lost two of its most beloved and highly esteemed citizens.
John Leonard Doyle, the son, who now owns the old homestead, was born there and enjoys a large share of the esteem of his neighbors and of the people who have known him from boyhood.
BIOGRAPHIES