Bergan, James Philip 1863 - 1954

BERGAN, SCULLY, MINIHAN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/14/2025 at 00:04:06

Clayton County Register, 23 Sept. 1954.

James Philip Bergan, son of Patrick and Elizabeth Scully Bergan, was born at Virden, Ill., July 27, 1863. In 1866, the family moved to Highland township, Clayton county, where they resided until 1887, when they moved to a farm in Sperry township. He attended the rural school in Highland township.

On June 25, 1912, he was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Minihan at St. Joseph's church in Elkader. They farmed until 1917, when they moved to Volga, where they purchased a home.

Mrs. Bergan died in 1940. The past few years, Mr. Bergan made his home with his sister, Elizabeth Bergan, where he died Tuesday, September 14, 1954, at 10:00 p.m. at the age of 91 years. Due to the infirmities of old age, he was bedfast since January 1953.

Besides his wife, his parents, four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. His sister Elizabeth survives, also a number of nephews, nieces and cousins.

Services were held Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart church. The Rev. Francis Bradshaw, pastor, was celebrant of the Requiem High Mass and also officiated at the grave side in Sacred Heart cemetery, where burial was made.

Casket bearers were: Pat Minihan, Andy Cox, Mike Martin, Roy Rinkert, Howard Taylor and Raphael Orr.

Among relatives and friends present at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Boland, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Boland, Raphael Boland, Francis Little, Cedar Rapids; Leo Bergan and family, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Dittmer, Strawberry Point; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Conley, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Conley, Elkport; Thomas Bergan and family, Leo Boland, Walter and Anna Kennedy, Margaret and Hannah Minihan, Mrs. Martha White and son William, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hurley, Elkader; Dr. John E. Smith, Arlington, Dan Raftis, Frank Preuss, Oelwein; Mrs. Bert Erickson and Mrs. John Erickson, Wadena.