The Ulysses Dispatch, Wednesday, September 25, 1901 - page 3 John McGowen, aged 81 yrs. 4 mos. and 28 days, died at his home 5 miles south-west of Ulysses on Wednesday morning, Sept.11, 1901. Deceased was born on April 13, 1820 in the townland of Glenmore, parish of Kilmichael, Clare County, Ireland. There he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Susan Coughlin in 1846. As this was the time when the people of Ireland were so much oppressed by English rulers, his love of liberty caused him to emigrate to the U.S. in 1848. He landed in New York and worked for a few years at farming and public works, then removed to Ohio. where he lived for thirteen years. Afterwards he moved to Illinois where he farmed for a few years, and then came to Nebraska, which was then almost a wilderness, in the pioneer days of 1874. Like all of the old settlers he had to endure the hardships of a new country, but by justice, generosity and hospitality to all, he won for himself a host of friends in whose memory he will never be forgotten. His wife died on August 20, 1888, and on August 25, 1890 he was married to Mary Considine, who now remains to mourn his loss. He also leaves to mourn his loss seven children and five step children. In public affairs, in all things that concerned the welfare of his fellow man, deceased took an active and deep interest. He was a sincere Catholic and his family was the nucleus around which was formed the present strong and progressive congregration that now worships in a large and beautiful new church erected here. His fellow citizen, regardless of religious, political, or ethnic differences, held him in high esteem, and his excellent heart reciprocated. His decendants are numerous, standing among the most respected and patriotic citizens, and entering now into the various professions and responsibilities of this great state. A rare blessing and a rare honor were his, namely to have all his numerous children, grandchildren and great grandchildren kneeling in prayer and tears at his dying couch when he humbly bowed his head to the divine decree: "And it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment." The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Father Murphy of the Ulysses Catholic Church on Friday morning, Sept. 13, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery, a large concourse of fellow citizens devoutly followed his remains to the grave. The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of the entire community. Card of Thanks—We desire to express our thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our beloved husband and father. ~Mrs. John McGowan & children. |
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