George Farrell Sr. Charlotte, March 29, 1882 Editor Mirror--Died, at his residence in Washington township, on the 24th, George Farrell, aged about 60 years. He lived there twenty four years. He had been ailing for some time, and as death was anticipated, it softened the stroke to his family and friends. The community loses a good neighbor, his wife a loving husband, the children a kind father, and the country a good citizen. The Temperance Society escorted his remains from his residence to his grave. Born May 9, 1828 In County Dublin, Ireland. married to Jane Cullen, eight children. ch. Martha, Katherine, Marcella, Mariah, John, Elizabeth--died April 23, 1863 age two years, twins in infancy. Married Catherine Lawler January 17, 1863 had nine children: William, George, Elizabeth, Patrick, Teresa, Annie, James, Mary, Gertrude. Died March 24, 1882, buried at Villa Nova Cemetery. Lyons News April 1, 1882 Typed by Lyman Morrison, 1994. ------------------------- George Farrell, farmer, Section 24; P. O. Charlotte; born in the city of Dublin, Ireland in 1828; he came to the United States about 1849, purchased his present farm in 1853. His first wife was Jane Cullen, a native of Ireland. His present wife was Catherine Lawler. Mr. Farrell had five children by his first marriage and seven by the second. He has 160 acres of land. The History of Clinton County, Iowa, published 1879 Chicago: Western Historical Company, page 815, Washington Township. ------------------------- In memory of George Farrell It is with feelings of the most profound and sincere regret that we pen the following tribute in memory of our departed friend, George Farrell, who died on Friday morning, March 24th, age fifty-two years, after a long and painful illness from which he suffered much, but bore it with christian fortitude and resignation, declaring himself resigned to the will of the Most High. George was dearly beloved by all who knew him. Previous to his death he was attended by the Rev. Father Garland, and received the last rites of the church, of which he was a devoted member during life. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Total Abstinence Society, of Center Grove, which turned out in full regalia to attend the funeral on Sunday. The ceremonies were conducted by the pastor, who delivered an eloquent and consoling sermon. His remains were then conveyed to the final resting place in the cemetery, followed by his wife, children and a vast concourse of bereaved and sympathizing friends, who will long mourn his loss. Twas morn, the silver lamps of Heaven, Were fading from on high, And in their stead, the brilliant sun Rose in a cloudless sky The vernal breeze was freighted with The breath of orange bowers And earth seemed bathed in blessings rare Those peaceful morning hours. But death was even then abroad In all his tireless might; His patience was lurking there, Where fell the morning light, Beneath the brooding wings of morn, Where all seemed calm and fair, Went up from many a sorrowful heart, A deep yet voiceless prayer. Where swept the breeze the casement by, There lay a manly form, The rose had faded from his cheek-- Once glowing there so warm,-- But in the dim and sunken eye There beamed a holy fire, That spoke not of an earthly hope, But treasure placed far higher. The warrior's crown is but a wreath Made up of blood and tears; The poet's fame is but a mist-- That fades with coming years; All earthly hopes are transient things -- That glimmer, then decay: But thou shalt shine in glory still, Through Heaven's unchanging day. From all the glowing visions seen, That Future spreads so gay, From all the hopes of earthly bliss, Thy spirit turned away, To seek the lasting happiness That to his loved is given -- Thou hast found it gentle martyr, That art with him now in Heaven. The following resolutions were adopted by St. Patrick's total Abstinence Society of Center grove, of which deceased was a member: Whereas, it has pleased God to call from our midst our dear brother, George Farrell, Whereas, The Society deeply regret the loss of their member, therefore be it: Resolved, that we drape our hall and banner in mourning for thirty days: That we tender to his bereft widow, children and friends our heartfelt sympathy. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be placed into our records and published the the Clinton County Advertiser. Michael Shannon Hugh McDonnell } Committee Father Dolan From a newspaper clipping received from Michael Buck. Publication unknown, but probably the Clinton County Advertiser Retyped by Dennis Nicklaus, 1999. ------------------------- Mrs. Catherine Farrell Mrs. Catherine Farrell, mother of County Superintendent, George E. Farrell of this city, passed away this morning at Mercy Hospital, where she had been a patient for several weeks suffering from a complication of diseases. She was 70 years of age. Funeral arrangements were not announced yet, but probably will be held Sunday. The funeral is to held from the home of Anna Beitemann in DeWitt with services in Center Grove church. Mrs. Farrell, whose death is mourned by hundreds of warm friends was one of Iowa's pioneers and a long time resident of Clinton county. She was born in Philadelphia and in the early 1850's came to Clinton county with her family. Her maiden name was Catherine Lawler and she was united in marriage with George Farrell, who passed away 30 years ago. Surviving the deceased are three sons, George E. Farrell of Clinton, James F. Farrell of Delmar and Patrick S. Farrell of Davenport; and four daughters, Mrs. J. E. Shannon, Mrs. T. L. Shannon and Mrs. J. G. Showalter of New Hampton and Mrs. Will Torpey of Lost Nation. One son William died in infancy and a daughter, Mary Showalter in 1912. During the past four years, Mrs. Farrell had made her home with her sons and daughters. Clinton Daily Advertiser December 12, 1913 From Aunt Regina's files: George Farrell & Jane Cullen had eight kids Elizabeth died Sept. 23, 1863 Jane Cullen & twins died Dec 28, 1862 At that time they tell us Catherine Lawler was a hired girl. On Jan. 17,1863 according to the family bible she and Grandpa were married. He would have been 33, she 17, or 18 years old. They had nine children when he died in 1882--he was survived by Catherine and 5 children of the 1st family and 8 of the 2nd family. He was 51 or 52 years old at the time of his death.