John Monahan was born in Enniskillen, Ireland. He died in Ontario, March 1, 1910. He married Caroline Anderson who was born in Scotland. Their daughter, Elizabeth Jane Monahan, was born on June 12, 1851 at Toronto. She married John Ellis Near on January 22, 1871 in West Garafraxa, Wellignton Co, Ontario. She died December 18, 1927 in Preston, Waterloo Co, Ontario.
| Name | Birthdate & Birthplace | Marriage Date & Marriage Place | Name of Spouse | Date of Death & Place of Death | Other Information |
| John Monahan | 1807 Enniskillen, Ireland | Catherine/Caroline Anderson | March 1, 1910 at Preston, Waterloo Co, ON | Stonemason/Bricklayer | |
| Catherine/Caroline Anderson | John Monahan | ||||
| Mary Ann Monahan | January 3, 1846 at Quebec | Orin Casper | January 7, 1918 at Welland, ON | Children: Clara Amelia, Phebe Loretta, Charles Orville, Henry Cortland and Gordon Pew | |
| Caroline Monahan | 1848 in Quebec | July 1, 1868 in Grey County, ON | John Franklin Armstrong | ||
| Elizabeth Jane Monahan | June 12, 1852 at Toronto, Upper Canada | John Ellis Neher | January 12, 1869 at Owen Sound, Ontario | December 25, 1929 at Preston, Waterloo Co, Ontario | Children: Katherine Dianne Ellis, Sarah Jane, William John, Anderson Elgin, Albert, Minnie Marie,Caroline Elizabeth, Wallace Ezra,Pearl and Gertrude Alice |
| William Monahan | 1854 | Sarah Goodfellow | May 12, 1880 in Sarawak Twp, Grey Co, ON | April 19, 1898 in Keppel, Grey Co, ON | Children: John, William Edward, Pearl, Anne, James, and Cahterine |
Obituary of John Monahan, taken from Owen Sound Sun, Friday, March 11, 1910
JOHN MONAHAN, 103 YEARS OLD, IS DEAD
SARAWAK TWPS. OLDEST RESIDENT PASSED AWAY - ACTIVE TILL THE LAST
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE
Word has just been received of the death of Mr. John Monahan, the oldest pioneer resident of the township of Sarawak, at the advanced age of 103 years. Mr. Monahan has been living alone near Lindenwood, up till January last, when he left to spend the balance of the winter visiting his daughter, Mrs. Near of Preston. It was when on this visit that he passed away, death being due to the infirmities of old age.
Practically everyone in Sarawak and Keppel knew John Monahan, but not everyone knew he was over 100 years of age. Almost up to his death he was active and about every day. He was born in the year 1807, one hundred and three years ago, at Loch Erin, six miles from Enniskillen, Ireland. In his early manhood he left Ireland for Canada; and after almost a month on the ocean, landed at Quebec. There he stayed for some time, working at his trade as a stone mason; then he struck westward, and in due time came to Toronto. In Toronto he remained for a considerable time. He worked on the erection of several important buildings, among them St. George's Church, on John Street. From Toronto he came north and settled in Keppel, where he divided his time between farming and working at his trade. Many a barn in Keppel and Sarawak owes its foundation to the good work of John Monahan. He continued to work at his trade until recently, and it was only four years ago that he laid the foundation of a large barn. Up till his departure for Preston in January, Mr. Monahan lived alone, doing all his own work. He was very well preserved and active for his years. He was well informed and did consierable reading - but never wore glasses and his hearing was fairly good. For a man of his years, John Monahan was a wonder. Mr. Monahan was a staunch Orangeman and a strong Conservative. He comes of a long-lived family; his brother Hugh died in Barrie at the good age of 101.
Obituary from Galt Record
His obituary was published in the Galt Daily Reporter on 02 Mar 1910 in Galt, Ontario.
HAD NEARLY REACHED THE CENTURY MARK
The death occurred yesterday morning at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. John Near, of John Monahan, of Owen Sound, who was visiting at the home of his relatives. Deceased who was 99 years of age, was hale and hearty until about a week ago when he was taken ill with an attack of la grippe. Owing to his advanced age, he was unable to throw off the malady and the end came peacefully yesterday at 10:55 am. Born in Ireland the late Mr. Monahan came to this country when a boy and lived for a short time in Quebec before moving to Toronto. Later he took up residence in Owen Sound, where he has lived for the last thirty years. As a citizen he was much respected for his fine principles and upright character and made many friends who will regret to hear of his demise. He was married twice, both wives having predeceased him. To mourn the loss of a devoted father there remain three daughters, Mrs. Armstrong, Oak River, Man.; Mrs. Casper, Welland; and Mrs. Jno. Near, of Preston. The funeral, which will be private, will take place tomorrow at 2:30 pm, from the residence of his son-in-law to Preston Cemetery.
Obituary from Galt Daily Reporter (Mar 03 1910), p.4
AT REST The funeral of the late John Monahan took place at 2:30 this afternoon from the residence of his son in-law, Mr. John Near, Moore Street, to Preston Cemetery. Six grandsons of the deceased acted as pallbearers and the services at the house and grave were conducted by Rev. Mr. Johnson. On account of the sickness of both Mr. and Mrs. Near only the immediate relatives were present to witness the last sad rites.
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Dorothy Gwynn
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