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 McNAMARA
Brewer, Luther A. and
Barthinius Wick. History of Linn County, Iowa From Its Earliest Settlement to
the Present Time Vol II. Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911.
Frank P.
McNamara, a well known farmer and prominent citizen of Buffalo township, has
spent his entire life in Linn county, his birth occurring here on the 18th of
February, 1866. His parents, John and Ann (Slattery) McNamara, were natives of Ireland
and on their emigration to America in 1849, located in Buffalo, New York, where
they spent two years. At the end of that time, however, they came to Iowa
and for five years made their home in Jones county. The father then purchased
forty acres of land in Buffalo township, Linn county, whereon the family took up
their abode. As an agriculturist he steadily prospered and bought more land from
time to time as his financial resources increased until he had accumulated five
hundred acres in this county, one hundred acres in Jones county, and six hundred
and forty acres in South Dakota. His Linn county property he placed under a high
state of cultivation and improved by the erection of good, substantial
buildings. He continued the operation of his farm for many years but finally
deeded eighty acres to each of his children as they became of age. After a
useful and well spent life he passed away May 10, 1900, and his wife, who had
been a faithful helpmate to him throughout her life, died February 25, 1903.
They were communicants of the Catholic church and were laid to rest in Castle
Grove Catholic cemetery.
Frank P. McNamara
was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, acquiring his literary
education in the schools near his boyhood home. He was twenty-five years of age
when he left the parental roof and settled on the eighty acres of land given to
him by his father and to its improvement and cultivation he has since devoted
his energies. He has extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time,
however, and now has two hundred and forty acres of very valuable and productive
land which has been improved by himself and is now one of the best farms of the
county. He has always devoted considerable attention to the raising of fine
stock but has never made a specialty of any particular breed except the Hereford
cattle.
Mr. McNamara was married January 24, 1894, to Miss Katy
Drummy who, like her husband, acquired a good common school education in her
youth. Her parents are W. F. and Lizzie (Kehoe) Drummy, the former a native of
New York and the latter of Delaware county, Iowa. They were married on the 25th
of October, 1875, and located upon a farm in Delaware county. Both are still
living. Eleven of the fifteen children born to them also survive. To Mr. and
Mrs. McNamara have been born ten children, as follows: Francis P., who was born
October 26, 1894, and died August 2, 1896; Thomas E., born February 26, 1896;
John W., born August 8, 1897; Elizabeth B., born December 21, 1898; William
Joseph, born July 4, 1900; Emlin A., born May 16, 1902; Bernard A., born May 15,
1903; Anna M., born May 30, 1905; Frances D., born June 4, 1907; Bernice M.,
born June 30, 1909. The parents are faithful members of the Catholic church and
in his political views Mr. McNamara is liberal, supporting the men and measures
he believes best calculated to promote the public welfare. He is a progressive
and public-spirited citizen and gives his earnest support to those measures
which he believes will advance the general welfare of the community in which he
resides.
GAWLEY
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
ECCLES W. GAWLEY, M. D. The
calling of a physician is not only one of the most arduous but one of the most
responsible pursuits in which a man can engage, and he who attains a high
reputation in this calling must necessarily be endowed with physical endurance,
keen intelligence and excellent judgment. The subject of this sketch is one
whose extensive
practice and high standing in the profession prove conclusively his mental
endowments. He was born in Ireland in 1850, and is descended from a long line of
prominent physicians.
Our subject attended the schools of his native place, which were noted for their
high standard, until reaching his twenty-first year, when he determined to seek
his fortune in another country. He consequently emigrated to Canada and after
spending a few months there crossed into the States. It was his desire to fit
himself for a professional career. Entering the Medical Department of the
University of Michigan, he spent two years, after which he went to Detroit and
became a student in the Detroit Medical College, from which institution he was
graduated in 1875. Dr. Gawley then remained in the City of Straits engaged in
practice for two years, and at the end of that time came to Iowa, locating at
once in Anamosa. Since coming hither Dr. Gawley has built up an extensive and
growing practice and is often called upon to visit patients in adjoining states.
He also conducts a sanitarium for the accommodation of those placed under his
care. He is rarely adapted to his profession by nature and temperament,
possessing, as he does, fine, sympathetic feelings, a high sense of honor, a
clear brain, steady nerve and the other essentials of a true physician. The
Doctor has a fine library of medical works and a well equipped office. In 1879
our subject was married to Miss Mamie C. Coats, of Dubuque. The Doctor,
socially, is a member of the Iowa Union Medical Society and in 1885 was
appointed, during Cleveland's administration, Secretary of the Pension Board of
Examiners, which position he holds at the present time. He is a
man of practical business talent and financial ability, and by judicious
investment of his money has become well-to-do.
--Contributed by Becky Teubner
.
HOLT
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
EDWARD
C. HOLT, Postmaster at Anamosa, is greatly respected for those qualities of head
and heart which have won for him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he
associates. He is popular in his official capacity, and is discharging the
duties of his position with characteristic fidelity and greatly to the
satisfaction of all concerned.
Our subject was born in Ireland January 8, 1832, and
when three years old emigrated to New Brunswick in company with his parents, who
made their home in St. John's. There he attended school, and upon completing his
education learned the trade of a stone and brick mason, together with
plastering, under the instruction of Otis Small, of Bangor, Me.
March 30, 1857, Mr. Holt crossed into the States, coming, May 30, to Anamosa,
which at that time was a small town. He immediately found work at his trade and
ere long began contracting, building stores, dwellings and churches. He was thus
employed until 1893, when, having accumulated a sufficiency of this world's
goods, he retired from active business, devoting his time to looking after his
property in the city.
In the spring of 1894 Mr. Holt
was appointed Postmaster of Anamosa, entering upon the duties of the office May
9, 1894. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has served as Chairman of the
Central Committee. He has always been interested in educational affairs and for
a period of twelve years rendered efficient service on the School Board.
Mr. Holt,
with his family, occupies a beautiful residence in the city and numbers his
friends among its best residents.
In 1861 Edward C. Holt and Miss
Mary A. T. Sales were united in marriage. The lady was the daughter of Dr.
Nathan G. Sales, who was a prominent physician and politician of this city and a
most praiseworthy citizen. He held the office of Receiver of Moneys in the land
office at Chariton, Iowa, from 1853 to 1856, under the administration of
Franklin
Pierce. He departed this life December 24, 1892. Mrs. Holt departed this life
June 19, 1885, leaving a family of six children, namely: Tirzah C., Josie A.,
Harry J., Eddie S., Clara L. and Nellie. Harry J. assists his father in the
post-office. Mr. Holt built the brick opera house on the
corner of Maine and Garnavillo Streets in 1867, and is still the owner of that
property besides much other valuable real estate in the city.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner
McCANN
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
HON.
JAMES McCANN, one of the best known citizens of Dubuque,
represents
his district in the State Legislature and takes a prominent part in public
and political affairs, his name being inseparably connected with the
history of this community. He was born in Ireland on the 27th of
August, 1840, and is a son of Patrick McCann, who in 1845 came to America,
landing at New York City, whence he made his way to Dubuque. His death occurred
here in 1891, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Ellen Morgan, is still living in Dubuque, and is now (1894)
seventy-five years of age.
Our subject was a child of only five summers when with
his parents he crossed the ocean and became a resident of Dubuque, where
the greater part of his life has since been passed. He was educated
in the common schools and at the age of fifteen years began working on his
father's farm, where was employed until twenty years of age, but in 1860 he
abandoned
agricultural pursuits and made an overland trip to Colorado, in the hope of more
rapidly acquiring wealth in that state. He there engaged in gold mining for five
years, and for three years and a-half had charge of the Smith & Parmalee
gold mine. In 1865 he returned to his old home and resumed farming, which he
successfully carried on until 1874. He then opened an agricultural implement
store and was engaged in business along that line for seven years.
The official career of Mr. McCann began in 1881, when
he was elected Sheriff of Dubuque County, and so ably did he discharge the
duties of the office that he was four times re-elected, serving in all for eight
years. In 1889 he embarked in the real-estate business, which he conducted for
two years. In 1891 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Dubuque
County in the Twenty-fourth General Assembly of Iowa. Two years later he was
re-elected, and is now serving as State Representative with credit to himself
and satisfaction to his constituents, He received the caucus nomination of his
party for the office of Speaker of the House, but the Republicans being in the
majority he was defeated. He has taken quite a
prominent part in politics, and is recognized as one of the leaders of the
Democracy in Iowa, and is now Chairman of the Congressional Committee of the
Third Congressional District. In the fall of 1892 he aided in the organization
of the Excelsior Brass Works, and was made President and General Manager of the
same, which position he held until July 10, 1893,
when he sold his interest in the enterprise.
On the 22d of February, 1865, occurred the marriage of
Mr. McCann and Miss Catherine A. Dawson, of Dubuque, daughter of Nicholas
Dawson, who is numbered among the honored pioneers of this city in 1837. Mrs.
McCann died April 22, 1893, leaving six children, three sons and three
daughters, James A.; Lucy M., who is now engaged in teaching; Frank N., a
contractor of Dubuque; Charles V., Ruth and Stella. Mr. McCann is a member of
the
Catholic Church, and with his family resides at No. 1573 Main Street.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner
DOUGHERTY
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
JOHN
DOUGHERTY is one of the natives of Ireland who have been prominent in the
development and success of Linn County, where he has resided from
its early days. He owns a good homestead situated on section 7, Buffalo
Township, and to the improvement of this property he has
devoted the past quarter of a century.
The birth of our subject occurred in the northern part
of the Emerald Isle in 1836. He is a son of Michael and Anna Dougherty, who like
him were natives of Ireland, where they passed their entire lives. The boyhood
and youth of our subject were passed near the place of his birth and he received
such school advantages as the neighborhood afforded until he was fifteen years
of age. He was a great reader and an ambitious young man and early made up his
mind that he would try his fortunes in America. Accordingly in 1851, when in-
his sixteenth year, he took passage on a sailing-vessel bound for New York City.
On reaching his destination he proceeded to Cambria County, Pa., and secured
employment for a time near
Johnstown. As he was possessed of industrious and persevering qualities, and was
ready to work at whatever came to hand by which he could make an honest dollar,
he managed to lay aside regularly a small sum, and five years after landing in
the United States a stranger without any means, he came to Iowa and secured a
contract on railway construction work. In that line of business he acted as a
foreman for some years and made a good success of his undertakings. During
this time his home was mainly in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but he kept his eyes and
ears open to opportunities, and becoming confident that Jones County was an
ideal location for enterprising farmers, he came here in 1867 and became the
owner of a small tract of land. To this as the years have passed he has
continually added adjoining land until his farm now numbers two hundred and
eighty acres. This property, which is very fertile, is finely adapted for the
raising of certain crops and brings in the owner a steady income, amply
sufficient for the needs of his family; he is also enabled to lay aside a
certain sum for
his declining years. The property is well improved with good barns and a
substantial residence and the owner takes great pride in keeping everything
about the place in good order.
July 3, 1861, Mr. Dougherty was married in Cascade, Iowa, to Miss Mary Hayes,
who was born in Ireland. The worthy couple have had born to them nine children,
four sons and five daughters, who in the order of their birth are as follows:
Maggie, John, Annie, Mary, Barney, Sadie, Tressa, Grace and James.
Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty were
reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, to which they still adhere and are
regular attendants of the congregation of Buffalo. Politically our subject is a
Democrat and takes great interest in all matters relating to the affairs of his
party, He
lives in Linn County but owns land in Jones County, where he carries on
business.
--Contributed by Becky Teubner
McDERMOTT
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
A. S.
McDERMOTT, dealer in agricultural implements, is the senior member of the firm
of McDermott & Biggins of Dubuque. In this city he was born on the
18th of September, 1834, and is therefore one of its oldest residents, his
parents being among the honored pioneer settlers of the county. His father,
James McDermott, was a native of Ireland, and on emigrating to the United
States, took up his residence in Pottsville, Pa. He was united in
marriage with Priscilla Lendeman, whose father was a Frenchman and his mother a
German lady. The year 1833 witnessed the arrival of James McDermott in Dubuque.
Here he engaged in lead mining until 1837, when he removed to Prairie Creek
Township and began farming, which occupation he followed until his death in
1877. He was born July 4, 1804. He took an
active part in public affairs, did all in his power to promote the growth and
upbuilding of the community, and in politics was a supporter of the Democratic
party. His wife, who was born in 1812, was called to her final rest in 1883, at
the age of seventy-one years.
A. S. McDermott has the honor of being the first male
child born in the city of Dubuque. He spent his boyhood days
upon the farm and was early inured to the arduous task of developing wild land.
His educational privileges were limited, but his training in the fields was by
no means meagre. When he entered upon a business career for himself it was as a
farmer, and to the improvement and cultivation of his land he devoted his
energies until 1854, when he came to Dubuque and learned the carpenter's trade.
On the 5th of June, 1855, he left this city and went to Rice County,Minn., with
a squad of men under Gen. James Shields, who went thither in order to
establish a settlement and became the pioneers of that locality. They founded a
trading post and engaged in trading with the Indians all through the
country as far up as Lake Superior. Mr. McDermott learned the
language of the red men, with whom he could converse fluently in
their own tongue. He remained in Minnesota until the fall of
1857, when we again find him in Dubuque. In the spring of 1864 he
went to
Montana. On the 1st of March he left home and crossed the
plains to Virginia City, where he arrived on the 10th of July, 1864. He was
there engaged in gold mining until the 15th of October of the same year, when he
crossed the mountains into Idaho and made his way to Idaho City; there he opened
a carpenter shop, carrying on business along that line for a
time. Later he traveled through Oregon, Washington, California and
British America, and on the 31st of October, 1866,
returned to Dubuque. He then resumed farming,
which he carried on until 1881. He was regarded as one of the leading
agriculturists of the community, a reputation which was sustained by the neat
and thrifty appearance of his place. Mr. McDermott was married December 21,
1858, to Miss Margaret McDermott, a
native of Ireland. To them have been born eight children, five sons and
three daughters: H. J., who is now living in St. Paul, Minn.; C. J., also of St.
Paul; Ambrose, of Butte City, Mont.; Gus P. and John A., of Dubuque; Mary and
Maria, at home, and a daughter deceased.
In the spring of 1881, Mr.
McDermott formed a partnership with Hon. James McCann and together they engaged
in the sale of agricultural implements until Mr. McCann was elected Sheriff of
Dubuque County. The connection was then discontinued and Mr. McDermott was alone
in business until 1893, when he was joined by Thomas F. Biggins. Under the firm
style of McDermott & Biggins they now conduct business and are enjoying an
extensive trade which they well merit. In 1871 our subject patented the
McDermott Cultivator and has since manufactured the same. He was one of the
organizers of the McDermott Cultivator Company, and as early as 1868 he had
attached a spring to the cultivator which he patented. He has also issued
several other patents and his inventions are useful and are now much used. He
possesses much genius as a mechanic and is a man of more than ordinary ability,
who well deserves mention among the best citizens of Dubuque. He has traveled
extensively over this country, especially in the northwest, and is a well
informed man. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his family are members
of the Roman Catholic Church.
--Contributed by Becky Teubner
FOLEY
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
JOHN
FOLEY. This substantial resident of Anamosa is engaged as a railroad
contractor, and also is the owner of a good farm in Fairview Township. He
is a native of Ireland, having been born February 18, 1838. His parents, Thomas
and Mary (Kelly) Foley, were also natives of the Emerald Isle, the former
corning to the United States when advanced in years. John, when emigrating
hither, landed in New York City, whence he made his way into Champaign County,
Ohio, where he attended school for one winter, and then began working on the
Columbus & Cleveland Railroad.
In 1856 the subject of this sketch went to Wisconsin,
where he was employed on the La Crosse & Milwaukee Road, and afterward
removed to Watertown, that state, working for the Chicago & Northwestern,
and afterward as an employe for the Janesville & Oshkosh Road. Three years
later young Foley came to Iowa, making his headquarters for a time in Ottumwa in
the employ of the Des Moines Valley Railroad Company, in grading the road bed.
He afterward was engaged by the Illinois Central, and located at Waterloo, this
state. In the year 1860, our subject came to Anamosa, in the employ of the
Milwaukee & St. Paul Road, laying the track between this city and
Sperryville. After completing this work he went to Benton County and constructed
the road between Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown for the Northwestern Road. We
next find Mr. Foley in Lanark, Ill., working for the Milwaukee & St. Paul
under Captain Smith, on that portion of the road lying between Freeport and
Savannah.
March 26, 1864, our subject again came to this city and
was married to Miss Nora Sullivan, of Anamosa, and the daughter of Michael and
Ellen Sullivan, natives of Ireland. After his marriage Mr. Foley was
engaged in farm pursuits for two years, but finding this business did not suit
him, again engaged in railroad work, this time for the Chicago &
Northwestern. In 1867 he worked for a time on the Rock Island, and the same year
laid the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy between Clinton and
Indianola. In 1870 our subject returned to Anamosa, investing his surplus money
in real estate and carried on general farming for the succeeding three years.
His possessions now aggregate eight hundred acres, five hundred of which are
under the best methods of improvement. His farm is stocked with fine animals,
has an ample supply of buildings, including a commodious dwelling
and good barn. In addition to this property Mr. Foley owns a fine grocery store
in Anamosa, which is carried on by his son, Thomas W. As has already been seen,
our subject is a truly self-made man. During his childhood he experienced many
disadvantages, but not withstanding discouragements he pushed ahead, and the
result proves the wisdom of his
course. He has in vested his money judiciously, has a beautiful home in the
city, and is prepared to spend the declining years of his life in peace and
comfort, surrounded by many of the luxuries of life. With his good wife, Mr.
Foley is a member of St. Patrick's Church at Anamosa, in the faith of which they
have trained their children.
--Contributed by Becky Teubner-
KELLY
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
JAMES KELLY is a representative of the mercantile
interests of Dubuque, being the senior member of the firm of Kelly & Son
dealers in books, stationery and periodicals. They have a well appointed
store, equipped with everything found in a first-class establishment of the
kind, and carry a large and well assorted stock of books and stationery,
together with all the latest periodicals. The members of the firm are pleasant,
genial gentlemen, who try earnestly to please their customers, and by their
courteous treatment and honorable dealing they have won a liberal patronage. Mr.
Kelly, whose name heads this record, is a native of the Emerald Isle, and
attended the public schools of that country until sixteen years of age.
In the spring of 1852 he sailed for the United States, hoping to find here a
home and fortune. For two years he lived with an uncle at Lancaster, Pa., and
attended the high school. For two years he engaged in clerking in a general
store owned by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, On the expiration of that period he determined to
continue his journey westward, and in accordance with this resolution came to
Dubuque, where for two years he was employed as a salesman by the firm of
McGuire & Co., dealers in books and stationery. In 1853 he began business
for himself on a small scale, opening a news stand which he stocked with
periodicals and home newspapers. He was the first man to
establish a news stand in the state. His business increased with the growth of
the city's population, and he added a stock of books and stationery. He is now
one of the oldest news and book dealers, in years of continuous business, in the
state, He counts his customers by the hundreds, for his courteous treatment
always insures the continuance of patronage when once obtained. His store is
located at No. 747 Main Street, and is 21x70 feet in dimensions.
In 1865 Mr. Kelly was united in marriage with Miss
Katie Fitzpatrick, daughter of John Fitzpatrick, an old and highly respected
citizen of Dubuque, who came hither in 1840. Unto our subject and his wife have
been born seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: three boys
who died when young; Clermont D., who is now clerking in Chicago; Joseph T., who
is now associated with his father in business, under the firm name of James
Kelly & Son; and Mary and Isabel, who are yet at home. Mr. Kelly and his
family are all members of St. Raphael's Catholic Church.
They reside at No. 394 Bluff
Street, and their home is noted for its hospitality, its doors being ever open
for the reception of their many friends. They are highly esteemed, and with
pleasure we present to our readers this record of their lives. Mr. Kelly is a
self-made man, who
entered upon his business career at an early age in the humble capacity of a
clerk. Thus he labored until he had acquired a sum sufficient to establish a
small news stand, when he began business for himself. Steadily has he worked his
way upward, and his resolution, enterprise and perseverance have brought him
well merited success.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
HILLOCK
Biographical Record and
Portrait Album of Webster and Hamilton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Lewis
Publishing, 1888.
H.C.
Hillock, section 32, Rose Grove Township, was born in Tecumseh, Lenawee County
,Michigan, November 28, 1836. His father, Hugh Hillock was a native of the north
of Ireland, and came to the United States when a lad. He was married in Ithaca,
New York, to Euphelia Landon, a native of New Jersey, and they moved to Lenawee
County, Michigan, in 1824, being early settlers of that county. The father went
to California in 1852 and returning home via New York, died at Ithaca. H.C.
Hillock was reared in Michigan and was given good educational advantages. In
1856 he came to Iowa, making the trip to Davenport by rail, thence by stage to
Iowa Falls and from there to Webster City on foot, arriving at the latter place
April 7. The first year he worked for Willson brothers. In 1857 he was one of
the expedition who went from the county to take part in quelling the troubles at
Spirit Lake, and for some years was a member of the Northern Border Brigade and
was stationed at Cherokee, Peterson and Spirit Lake. In 1864 he opened a meat
market, which he conducted in connection with buying and shipping stock for
several years. He was appointed sheriff of the county to fill an unexpired term,
and the following year was elected to the office and served two years, and the
following two years served as deputy. In 1874 he moved to Rose Grove Township
and settled on the farm where he now resides, which he had bought some years
before and had partially improved. His farm contains 320 acres, being the east
half of the section. Six acres of it is a fine grove of chestnut and other
forest trees, there being about 1,000 tress of the former variety, and he also
has a small orchard and an abundance of small fruit. His farm is all under
cultivation and his building improvements are comfortable and convenient, all
having been erected by Mr. Hillock with a view of making this his permanent
home. In politics Mr. Hillock affiliates with the Republican party, and is one
of its standard bearers in Hamilton County. He has at different times held most
of the township offices and has also served on the board of county supervisors.
He was married in October, 1865, to Jennie M. Carpenter, a native of Astabula
County, Ohio, daughter of William and Isabel (Lusk) Carpenter. They have four
children- Carrie Belle, Grace E., Benjamin Lewis, and Hugh Royden.
CARR
Biographical Record and
Portrait Album of Webster and Hamilton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Lewis
Publishing, 1888.
J.J.
Carr, farmer and stock raiser, section 25, Rose Grove Township, is a native
of Canada, born June 7, 1857, a son of Robert Wallace and Jeanette (Henson)
Carr. His father was a native of Ireland, and came to America when a young man
and located in Canada, where he was married and lived until 1865, when he
removed to Hamilton County, Iowa, and settled in Rose Grove Township, where he
still lives. J.J. is the second of a family of four sons and two daughters. He
was reared in his native country and Iowa, and was given the benefits of a good
common school education and is one of the enterprising young men of the
township. He has a good farm of 180 acres, well improved, with good residence
and farm buildings. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and some
of the finest stock in the county can be found on his farm. He was married
September 6, 1883, to Hattie Hennefin, a native of Hardin County, Iowa, daughter
of Calvin E. and Malinda R. (Cacfin) Hennefin. To them have been born two
children- Nora Emma and Cora Rebecca. In politics Mr. Carr is a Democrat. He has
served as a member of the school board, taking an active interest in the cause
of education and all interests of benefit to the community. He is a public
spirited man and is a liberal supporter of all enterprises that tend to elevate
the people of the county as well as all that promises advancement to its
material interests.
McNAMARA
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
MF. McNAMARA, Supervisor of
Dubuque County, is one of those progressive, wide-awake farmers who find both
pleasure and profit in cultivating the soil, and by means of dignity and ability
tend to raise the standard of their chosen occupation. His possessions aggregate
five hundred and forty acres on section 27, Table Mound Township, and they form
one of
the most valuable and highly cultivated tracts in the county. Our subject was
born in the city of Dubuque, August 17, 1840, and is the son of John McNamara, a
native of Ireland, who came to America when a lad of seventeen years. The latter
was born June 24, 1804, and prior to his emigration had received a fair
education in the public schools near his home. In 1835 he located in Dubuque,
where he worked in the lead mines by the day for a time, after which he engaged
in business for himself for twelve years. At the end of that time John McNamara
purchased four hundred acres of land in Table Mound Township, which he placed
under admirable tillage and resided upon until 1874, when, having accumulated a
handsome
fortune, he retired and moved to the city of Dubuque. He was well and favorably
known throughout the county, and departed this life April 6, 1880, greatly
mourned by all who knew him. His brother, Michael McNamara, was a civil engineer
and for a time was inspector of arms and ammunition in the army, and served
under General Jackson for five years.
The maiden name of our subject's mother was Bridget Gearon, of French descent.
Her father served as a Colonel in the French army. Mrs. McNamara was born in
Ireland, and when fifteen years of age was orphaned and emigrated with friends
to America. She made her home for a time in Troy, N. Y., after which she came to
Dubuque, and in 1839 was married to John
McNamara. She departed this life in 1861 at the age of fifty years.
The parental family of our
subject comprised one daughter and three sons, of whom M. F., was the eldest.
John, born in 1841, died at the age of twenty years; Catherine, born in 1843,
became the wife of James Boland, of Dubuque, and James E. was born in July,
1845, and died May 21, 1891. M. F. received his primary education in the schools
of Dubuque, and
also attended in Table Mound Township. He afterward carried on his studies in
Bully's College, in Dubuque, from which institution he was graduated in 1873.
The year prior to receiving his diploma, however, he opened a grain and
commission business with M. Brown, and continued to operate with him for four
years. At that time our subject disposed of his interest in the business and
moved to Parsons, Kan., where he engaged in the same business
and at the same time owned a half-interest in a steam flouring mill in that
city. He remained there until the spring of 1881, when he returned to Dubuque
and located on the old homestead, having previously purchased the property from
the rest of the heirs. He has since carried on the business of a general farmer,
giving special attention to raising of fine grades of stock, and has on his
estate some of the finest and most valuable animals to be found in the county.
Mr. McNamara cast his first Presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln, and continued to vote the straight Republican ticket until an
effort was made to nominate Grant for the third term, since which time he has
cast his ballot for Democratic candidates. He has been the recipient of various
offices of trust within the power of his fellow-townsmen to bestow, and for
three terms was Clerk of his township and is now serving his second term as
County Supervisor.
October 6, 1876, our subject and Miss Bell Armstrong
were united in marriage. The lady was born in Nebraska City, Neb., in October,
1858. Her grandfather served as a patriot in the Revolutionary War, and made his
home where is now the city of Cincinnati, before there was any indication of its
reaching its future greatness in numbers. To Mr. and Mrs. McNamara there have
been born three sons and five daughters, bearing the respective names of Estella
K, born in 1878, who is attending school in Dubuque; John A,, born in 1879;
Jennie, in 1882; Lorena, in 1883; Lettitia B., in 1885; Willard F., in 1886;
Leona, in 1888, and Michael F., in 1890. Mr. McNamara is a devout member of the
Catholic Church, in the faith of which he is
rearing his children.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
McGAHAREN
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
HENRY G. McGAHAREN. Among
the enterprising and active young business men of Elkader is the gentleman whose
name heads this sketch and who now occupies the responsible position of Cashier
in the Elkader State Bank. He is well educated and well informed on general
topics, and having a mathematical turn of mind is just the man to fill the place
which was unanimously tendered him by the Directors and officials of this
institution. His trustworthy and honorable principles, in addition to his other
qualifications, have won for him this place of honor and responsibility.
One of the native sons of Iowa, our subject was born in
Fayette County in 1864. He comes from a long lived family, his father, M. M.,
having lived to attain the age of ninety-one years, and his mother, who was in
her girlhood Rosa Sheridan, is still living at the age of four-score years. M.
M. McGaharen was a native of the Emerald Isle, and on coming to the United
States settled in Iowa, being one of the pioneers of Fayette County, where he
followed agricultural pursuits with good success until well along in years, his
death occurring in February, 1898. In politics he was a pronounced Democrat, and
was always active and interested in all public improvement and in school
affairs. His wife was likewise born in Ireland.
The early years of Henry G.
were passed in Fayette County, and he acquired a good knowledge of agricultural
pursuits on the old homestead, giving his assistance to his father in operating
the farm. He pursued his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood,
after which it was his privilege to attend the Decorah Institute, which is
located at Decorah,
Winneshiek County, this state, where he continued his studies for three years.
In 1887 he began his business career by clerking in the drug store operated by
Bayless & Hagensick. During this time he studied to become a pharmacist, and
secured a diploma from the State Board of Pharmacy on the completion of a
required course and after passing a strict examination. The same year he took
charge of the Elkader Drug Company of this place, which
position he held until October, 1892. The State Bank of Elkader was then
organized and he was offered the position of Cashier, which he accepted, having
held the post up to the present time. Being a young man of great ability, he has
shown himself to be fully capable of discharging the duties of this position,
and by his genial and affable manner makes many friends and customers for the
bank. His home is in this city, where he is received in the best social circles.
Though a young man, he has considerable general business experience and
manifests great sagacity and good judgment in dealing with financial matters.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
MAGUIRE
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
J.E. MAGUIRE, M, D., who now devotes his time and energies to the practice
of medicine in Dubuque, is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity,
but possess skill and ambition, which will no doubt win him a place among the
leading physicians of this locality. He was born in East Dubuque,
Ill., on the 1st of June, 1870, and is a son of Thomas Maguire, native of
Ireland, who bade adieu to the Emerald Isle, and crossed the Atlantic to
America. He took up his residence in East Dubuque in an early day,
and is still engaged in merchandising in that place, one of its representative
and well known citizens. The mother of the Doctor bore
the maiden name of Ellen Grath. She is a native of Racine, Wis., and a
daughter of Peter Grath, one of the honored pioneers of Jo Daviess County, Ill.
The Doctor spent the days of his boyhood and youth in
his native city, being reared in his parents' home, and completed his literary
education by his graduation from the high school of Dubuque in 1886. Previous to
this time he had taken a business course of study in the Bayless Commercial
College of Dubuque, from which he was graduated in 1882. He was an apt scholar
and his studious disposition and earnest application have made him
a well informed man.
In 1890, Doctor Maguire, with
the view of fitting himself for his life work, entered the Medical department of
Iowa State University of Iowa City, and was graduated from that institution in
the spring of 1893. In the summer of the same year he opened an office in
Dubuque, where he has since conducted a general practice in medicine and
surgery. He is now doing a successful business, and has the regard of not only
his patrons, but also the members of the profession. He has also spent some time
in the Chicago Polyclinic School, and is a member of the Dubuque Medical
Society. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
McLAUGHLIN
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
JOHN A.
McLAUGHLIN is one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Castle Grove
Township, his postoffice being Monticello. His history has been during his
entire life interwoven with that of Jones County, for here his birth occurred
June 13, 1845, and, with the exception of a few terms when he was away at
college, he has rarely been outside the county limits. He comes from one of the
worthy pioneer families who were the founders of the prosperity which has come
in so great a measure to this region. His parents, James and Mary (Hill)
McLaughlin, were both natives of Ireland, who, when in childhood, came to the
United States. Their marriage was solemnized in New York State, and in 1837 they
came to Jones County, locating on a piece of land in Wayne Township, which is
now the property of
the Hon. George W. Lovell. At that early day there were few neighbors and no
schools or other advantages.
The family later removed to Castle Grove Township,
where the father entered a tract of land from the Government, and from time to
time, as his resources increased, extended the boundaries of his farm, until, at
the time of his death, which occurred in 1873, he owned a valuable farm
comprising five hundred acres. The faithful wife and mother, who had truly
been a helpmate in every sense of the word to her industrious husband, survived
him many years, passing from this life in 1892. By her marriage she became the
mother of three sons and three daughters, namely, Anna, Elizabeth, Michael,
James W., John A., and Mary J., who died at the age of seven years.
John A. McLaughlin is the fourth in order of birth of
the surviving children of his parents. He received a good district school
education, and afterwards attended the Hopkinton (now Lenox) College, located at
Hopkinton, Iowa. In 1863 he went to Wisconsin, where he passed six months in
college work, and on leaving there prosecuted his studies for two terms in the
excellent Notre Dame University of South Bend, Ind. Later he returned to Lenox
College, being a student there for two terms more. Thus equipped for the
practical duties of life with a good foundation of general knowledge and
information, the young man returned to the old homestead and began in earnest to
make his own way. In his boyhood he had been familiar
from actual practice with general farm duties, and now began paying special
attention to stock raising and dairy farming. From forty to fifty cows were
daily milked, the product being sold to neighboring creameries, arid from this
source a steady and reliable income was derived. The first purchase by our
subject was one hundred and sixty acres of land in this township, he has pushed
his business enterprises successfully, and as his means accumulated invested in
more land, and has continued in this policy until he now finds himself the
fortunate possessor of eight hundred acres of valuable land, most of which is
under high cultivation. The buildings on the farm are substantial and well kept.
There are two large barns, a fine residence and attractive surroundings, and
everything about the place gives
evidence of the careful supervision of the owner.
In 1877 Mr. McLaughlin married
Miss Allie Downer, of Jones County, who was born and reared within its limits.
Her father, the late Horace Downer, was one of the early settlers and pioneers
of this locality. To Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin have been born six sons and a
daughter, whose names are as follows: Frank J., William, John, Rollo, Clarence,
Minnie and Eugene. In his political faith our subject is a thorough-going
Republican, having given that party his support since he was first able to vote.
He has never sought nor desired public office.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
ROCHE
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
REV. LAWRENCE
F. ROCHE, Pastor of St. Martin's Catholic Church of Cascade, was born in
Ireland in 1850. He received his education in that country and was
ordained by Archbishop Patrick Tealey, of Cashel, Ireland. He came to
America in 1872 and settled in Dubuque. He was afterward given
charge of St. Peter's Church at Temple Hill, Jones County, and
in 1876 was transferred to St. Anthony's Church at Davenport, where he
remained five years. Returning to Dubuque at the expiration of
that time our subject took charge of the Cathedral in that city and continued as
its pastor until he came to Cascade. This congregation was
originally attended by the Rev. Father Predine about fifty years ago. It
was then a small mission and the pastor only visited them occasionally in
order to attend to their spiritual wants. He was succeeded by Rev. Father
Tracy, who was stationed at Garry
Owen. The Cascade Mission was separated from Garry Owen and attached to Temple
Hill, which was a flourishing Catholic settlement in an early day as it is at
present. The Rev. Father McGinnis, now deceased, was pastor of the church
at that time. The building in which they met for worship was a small brick
structure near where the present large church now stands. Resident
priests supplied the congregation for some time, among whom was the
Rev. George A. Hamilton, who remained with them for six months; Rev. James
Slatterly succeeded, and in 1860 the Rev. J. O'Connor took charge, remaining for
one year. He was followed by Rev. James Cunningham, whose death occurred two
years later. Rev. Michael Lynch was then called and for eleven years he
faithfully served the church. During his pastorate the present commodious
building was erected and also that of St. Martin's Convent and accompanying
schools.
In 1876 Father Lynch was
succeeded by the Rev, John Hennessy, who administered the affairs of St.
Martin's until 1880. Then Father James P. Barren occupied the pastorate until
June of the following year, when our subject assumed control. He has the
spiritual welfare of one hundred and forty families to look after. Since coming
to Cascade he has made many
valuable improvements in the church property, among which was the large church
tower and the priest's residence, which was built at a cost of $5,000, and a
school building at about $1,000. The church proper is a solid stone structure,
nicely furnished, and when completed cost $16,000. There is a fine school for
boys, the building occupying two lots on Keene Street.
The girls' school is situated in the Convent of St. Martin's and the total
scholarship is one hundred and twenty. Six Sisters of Charity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary are employed as teachers and instruct the pupils in all branches of
education. Rev. Father Roche gives his entire attention to his church work and
is highly respected in the community in which he lives.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
NEILL
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
J. J.
NEILL. Prominent among the settlers of Clayton County who have witnessed the
wonderful development the country has made during the past decade or so,
and who have by honest toil and perseverance succeeded in acquiring a
competency and are now enabled to enjoy their well earned rest, is the
gentleman whose name heads this biographical notice.
Mr. Neill was born September 16, 1840. His father was Joseph Neill, a
native of the Emerald Isle, who emigrated to America and settled in New York
State for a time, then came to Clayton County, Iowa, settling in this township.
He received some land from the Government and on it built a log cabin; he
remained here, improving the land, until his demise, at the age
of sixty-four. He was a stanch Democrat, and an earnest member of the
Congregational Church, and was a well known personage in this country. The
mother was also a native of Ireland. She died there when our subject was yet an
infant. The following children were born to her: Mary J., William and John, who
all attained maturity but are now deceased. The subject of this sketch was but
six years old when he came to this county. He was reared in this township and
attended the little log school-house here. He was married June 19,1866, to Miss
Harriet Wakeman, who is a native of Indiana. Her parents came from New York
State to Indiana, and from there to this county. She was reared in this
township, and after her marriage with our subject they settled at their present
location. Out of two hundred and forty acres of land, he has but twelve that are
not cultivated. He is a stock raiser as well as a tiller of the soil, and makes
a specialty of Poland-China hogs, besides fine blooded horses and cattle. There
were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neill, as follows: Mabel C., William E.,
Walter J., Herbert N. and Alice E., William now being deceased. The parents are
both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a Trustee of the same.
He has been a member of the School Board for a number of years, and is also a
stockholder in the company that operates the Farmers' Creamery, and was for a
time its Director and Vice-President.
Mr. Neill has never asked for
any offices of public trust, but is always selected by his friends and neighbors
because of his ability. He has a most excellent wife and she has impressed her
intelligence upon her children to a marked degree. Literally a self-made man, he
may with satisfaction review his life of energetic industry, animated by a
courage and determination which have enabled him to overcome obstacles and win
financial success and an abundant competence. An upright man and liberal
spirited citizen, he is universally respected, and enjoys the high regard of
many friends. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Neill is interested in both local and
national issues, and intelligently posted in all matters tending
to the promotion of the general welfare, and does his full duty as a true and
patriotic American citizen.
-Contributed by Becky Teubner-
McCONNON
Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894
JOHN McCONNON, a
highly respected resident of Monticello, is engaged in the flour and feed
business, having a well stocked establishment, and follows a line of trade in
which he is making a success. He was born in Boston, Mass.,
April 26, 1826, and is the son of Hugh and Ann (O'Donnell) McConnon, both of
whom were natives of Ireland, and came to the United States in 1819, locating in
Boston. The father worked as a slater while living in
the Hub City, but after moving to New Hampshire carried on farm pursuits and
there passed his last days.
Mrs. Ann McConnon came to Iowa in company with our
subject in 1854, with whom she made her home until her decease in Monticello, in
1885, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Hugh McConnon was only
forty-five at the time of his death. The parents reared a family of four
children, May; John, of this sketch; Sarah, the wife of John Matthews of this
city, and Ellen, the wife of W. H. Proctor, a merchant in Monticello. The
subject of this sketch was given a good education in Claremont, N. H., after
which he passed his years on his father's farm, until coming to Iowa in 1854. He
at once made his home in this city, and for eighteen years was teamster for his
brother-in-law, W. H. Proctor. He then opened a flour and
feed store, and since 1879 has been engaged in this line of business and thus
commands a good trade.
John McConnon was married in 1855 to Miss Sally A.,
daughter of Alex and Betsey Graham. Their union has resulted in the birth of
three sons and two daughters, namely: William, an electrician, who makes his
home in Albany, N. Y.; John, who is also an electrician, and is engaged in
business in New Orleans; Frank, who is a student in Ames, Iowa; Anna G., the
wife of T. F. Bevington of Sioux City, this state, who died in 1888 when
twenty-four years of age, and Nellie, who afterward married her brother-in-law,
T. F.
Bevington.
In politics Mr. McConnon is
strongly in sympathy with the Prohibition party and always votes that ticket,
believing that the day will soon come when they will elect a President. In
religious affairs he is a devout member of the Catholic Church.
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