WESTMEATH OBITS

CONLON

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, Sept 27, 1916

THE LATE THOMAS CONLON
He Lived in Palo Alto County for Forty-Five Years.

     Last week we made a short mention of the death of Thomas Conlon, which
occurred on Tuesday at his home in this city. He was very ill for quite a
long time and death finally came to his relief. The funeral was held
Thursday. There was an exceptionally large attendance. Many came from
surrounding communities. A requiem high mass was celebrated at Assumption
church, Very Rev. P.F. Farrelly officiating. The burial was in St. John's
cemetery. The pall bearers were Charles Nolan, Edward Warren, W.H. Coonan,
J.J. Higgins, P.C. Jackman, and M.F. Brennan.
     Thomas Conlon was born at Athlone, in the county of West Meath, Ireland,
December 22, 1835. Hence he was in his 81st year. He came to  the United
States in 1854, locating at Morris, Illinois. He was married at that place
February 1, 1865, to Anna Muldoon. Mr and Mrs Conlon came to Palo Alto
county May 1, 1871, and settled on a farm in Great Oak township. They had a
large well improved farm. They sold it a few years ago. Mr and Mrs Conlon
moved to Emmetsburg, march 1, 1893, subsequently settling here. Mrs. Conlon,
six sons and two daughters survive. The sons are Chris of Great Oak
township, J.H. of Leola, South Dakota, Thomas of this city, William of
Milford, P.F. of LeMars and M.E. of Minneapolis. The daughters are Mrs. Matt
Kilroy of Mason City and Miss Agnes Conlon, who is at home. One daughter,
Mrs. M.E. Mahan, died a number of years ago. There are also a number of
grandsons and granddaughters. An older brother, Michael Conlon, resides in
this city.
     Mr. Conlon was one of the best known of the early pioneers of our county. He
came from the neighboring state of Illinois and with the courage and the
vigor of his race assisted in laying the broad foundation of our county's
progress and development. He was strong and hearty and he was a capable and
successful worker. He made large and prudent investments for himself and his
sons and became financially independent. He was genial and neighborly and he
won year after year many and loyal friends. This was clearly shown in the
large number who came from far and near to be present at his funeral. Mr.
Conlon was a provident husband and father, a faithful and practical member
of his church and an upright, useful citizen. He was genial and good natured
and he had always a pleasant smile and a kind word for his friends when he
met them.  Providence blessed Mr and Mrs Conlon with a large family of
worthy sons and daughters and they have been spared to crown with honor the
memory of the good father who has just been taken from them. The home of Mr
and Mrs Conlon was often the scene of pleasant neighborhood gatherings and
they were widely known for their generous hospitality. Friends and neighbors
had often occasion to remember with lasting gratitude substantial favors
received while they were beneath the Conlon roof. Mr. Conlon lived to a ripe
old age. A record of over eighty years spent to sincere devotion to his God,
his country, his family, and his friends is one which those who survive have
ample reason to treasure. The writer, who knew Mr Conlon long and intimately
and who for over thirty years found him a staunch, helpful friend and
supporter, extends sincere sympathy to Mrs Conlon, the sons and daughters
and the other relatives in their profound sorrow.