LOUTH BIOS

 FAREN

"From History of Scott County, Iowa 1882 Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co."

Patrick Faren was born in the county of Louth, Ireland, in August, 1834. In 1851 he emigrated to America, remained five years in New York City, where he landed; then, in 1857, came to Iowa. He rented a farm in Hickory Grove Township 10 years; then he bought his present farm of 160 acres in Winfield Township. It is under fair cultivation and well stocked. He was married in New Jersey, in 1856, to Sarah Cornell, of Ireland. Their union has been blessed with four children - Peter, born Sept. 26, 1860; Thomas, Sept. 16, 1868; Joseph, June 26, 1870; and Maggie, July 16, 1866. Mr. Faren, in religious views, is a Catholic. He is independent in politics, voting for the one he considers to be the best man.

CURRAN

History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Ill.: Union Pub. Co., 1884.

Henry Curran was born in August, 1831, in the county of Louth, Ireland. His mother died when he was quite a child. In 1850 he came with his father to America, landing in New Orleans. Shortly after their arrival, his father, one brother, and two sisters died, with what is called ship-fever. The next year he removed to St. Louis, Mo., where his sister was married. In a short time, he went to Galena, Ill, and from there to Allamakee Co., Iowa, where he purchased land and built him a house. The following year, he went to St. Louis Co., Mo., and engaged in farming. Remaining there two years, he went to Montgomery county and staid two years. He then went up the Mississippi river on a speculation. He purchased 250 sacks, intending to buy potatoes, but failing to find any, he had to give it up. So he purchased a boat running it six months. After this, he went to Hampton, Rock Island Co., Ill., and bought a copper shop.  The next summer he hauled logs, and in the following spring commenced making brick. He continued in that business until the war broke out in 1861, his men all enlisted, and he was obliged to suspend. In the spring of 1865 he went back on his farm in Allamakee Co, Iowa. In the fall he sold out, and came to Kossuth county, locating on section 22, Sherman township, then call [sic] Irvington township. He purchased 160 acres of land, and built him a house, which burned down in February 1872. He then built a house half a mile away from where the old one stood, and that year, he took a contract to make brick for the Algona court house. In 1874 he took a contract to carry mail from Spencer, Clay Co., to Sioux Falls, a distance of 100 miles. He remained on this route one year, then for two years carried mail from Sibley to Algona. He then went back on the farm where he now lives. He was married April 12, 1857, to Jerusha Parker Knights, born in Danville Caledonia Co., Vt. They had ten children, of whom eight are still living- Mary M., Henrietta, Helen J., Lillian L., Caroline B., Artemus F., Archibald M. and John P. Politically, Mr. Curran is a republican.

McGOFF

The History of Linn County, Iowa...Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1878

     McGoff, John, farmer, Sec. 13; P.O. Center Point; born in South [probably Louth] Co., Ireland; came to this country in 1855, and to this county in 1869. He enlisted in the 74th Ill. V.I. Co. G., in August, 1862; was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge, and sent to hospital and being rendered unfit for services from the effects of wounds, was mustered out of the United States service May 18, 1864. Married Mrs. Phebe Abbott in 1871; she was born in Monmouth Co., N.Y., in 1828. Mrs. McGoff had six children by her first husband, Richard Abbott, who died in the army Feb. 1, 1863-John born April 2, 1851; William P., August 12, 1852; Joseph M., Oct. 20, 1854; Henry, May 11, 1858; George, April 6, 1860; Henrietta, July 7, 1863. Mr. McGoff is a Catholic; Mrs. McGoff is a member of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat, and owns 117 acres, worth $25 per acre.