PATRICK EGAN

EGAN

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/22/2020 at 15:07:24

PATRICK EGAN.—This gentleman furnishes a remarkable example of what can be [accomplished] by an energetic, industrious man with strong constitution, properly tempered with will and determination, coupled with honest purpose to make a success of life.

Mr. Egan was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, March 17, 1826, son of Edward and Mary (Haley) Egan. The father was an enemy to English rule, and in this his children did not differ from him. Their coming to America happened in this manner: Thomas and Bridget had considered seriously the propriety of emigrating to this country, and, as they were without [means], finally appropriated a sum of money which the father had laid by with which to pay his landlord. On discovering what his children had done, he gave them the money and added more thereto. Landing here, the two were well pleased and in due time sent for Patrick and Margaret, the former at that time twenty-your years of age. A few years later, when the four had saved their earnings and had means enough to send for the rest of the family - the parents, Edward, Mary, William and John - they did so and all were united in this "land of the free and home of the brave." They settled in Lee county, Illinois, where the parents spent the rest of their days and are buried, the father having died August 6, 1881, at the age of ninety-two years, and the mother in 1872, at the age of eighty-four. Both were devout members of the Catholic church. Of their eight children, Edward, Mary, Thomas and Bridget are deceased.

Patrick Egan received his education on his native isle. He was put to work at the early age of twelve years, and has been a hard worker ever since. As already stated, he was twenty-four when he came to America. On his arrival here, he stopped with an uncle, who lived near Baltimore, two years and a half. He then located in Lee county, Illinois, where he made his home for fourteen years, working for the railroad company. During this time he laid up money and speculated in town lots, and later bought eighty acres of land from the railroad company. He subsequently sold the land, and in 1877 came to Adams county, Iowa, to the farm where he now resides, in section 7, Lincoln township. He bought a half section of land, when all wild, now under a high state of cultivation. His cottage home is nicely located and overlooks a most beautiful stretch of fertile country. He has a new barn, other good buildings and all necessary conveniences for successfully carrying on general farming and stock-raising. An orchard of four acres is among other improvements on his farm.

Mr. Egan was married in Lee county, Illinois, in 1857, to Miss Bridget McGinnis, a native of Ireland. Following is the issue from their union: Edward, who died when a year and a half old; John, who only lived ten months; Thomas, at home, engaged in farming for himself; William, who has been a teacher for some time, is now working on a farm in Lee county, Illinois; Mary, also a teacher; James, Patrick, deceased; and Peter.

Mr. Egan and his wife and some of their children are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Republican.