P C Egan

EGAN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 6/1/2010 at 19:10:56

P C Egan who has resided almost continuously in Woodard since 1882 and throughout much of the period has been identified with its industrial interests, he and his brother being now proprietors of one of the best equipped and most liberally patronized blacksmith shops to be found in this part of the state, was born in Canada, August 23, 1864. The following year the parents arrived with their family in what was then known as Montana and is now the city of Boone. Patrick Egan the father was born in Ireland and in the year 1853 crossed the Atlantic to Canada, in which country he formed the acquaintance of and wedded Eliza Payton, a native of that country. As previously stated, they crossed the border into the Untied States in 1865 with Boone county as their destination. The railroad was then built as far as Nevada and after reaching that point the family continued their journey to Boone, where they established there home, remaining there until the spring of 1866, when they wet to Moingona. The father there worked for the railroad company and in 1886 went with his wife to Des Moines. The family, however ,were reared in Boone county. Unto Mr and Mrs Patrick Egan eight children were born: P C of this review, James a resident of Boone, Mrs Bridget Landels and Mrs Mary Ann O’Connel both deceased, J T of Woodward, Mrs Elizabeth Finland, whose home is in Des Moines and two who died in infancy.
P C Egan acquired his education in the schools of this country and was about twenty-three years of age when his parents removed to Des Moines. In early life he had learned the blacksmith’s trade, which he has always followed and he ad his brother Thomas now conduct a modern blacksmith shop in Woodard, where they do all kinds of manufacturing and repairing along that line. Before coming to Woodward, however P C Egan located in Zena, Dallas county, and on the removal of the town in 1882 he became a resident of Woodard, where he has since remained with the exception of two years. His life has been one of unfaltering industry and energy and in the management of their business the brothers have been successful, securing a comfortable competency. P C Egan is interested along various mechanical lines, and he has ever sought to improve his work and give to his patrons the utmost satisfaction. He has overcome many difficulties and obstacles, steadily working his way upwards through determination and energy, and there are in his life record many traits worthy of emulation.
In 1884 Mr Egan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wilsey, who was born in Illinois, April 18, 1865, and died in Woodward in 1894. They became the parents of a daughter, now Mrs Myrtle Todd, who was born September 35, 1889, and is residing in Dallas county. In 1897 Mr Egan was again married, his second union being with Sophia Harrison who was born in Madrid, Iowa, December 31, 1875, but who was reared and educated in Boone county. The children of this marriage are: Marjorie who was born in November 1900, and is attending the Woodward public schools and Charles born January 29, 1910.
In his political views Mr Egan is an earnest republican and has been active in the work of the party, his influence carrying weight in its local councils. He has held all of ht local offices in Woodward except that of mayor and for the past twenty years has held all of the local offices in Woodard except that of mayor and for the past twenty years has been a member of the board of education, with which he is still connected. The cause of the schools has indeed found in hi a stalwart champion, and he has done everything in his power to advance their interests. His wife is a member of the Christian church, and he belongs to Peaceful Lodge, No 454, A F & A M of Woodward, and to the Woodward Lodge No 460, I O O F. he has been captain of the famous World’s Champion Degree Staff since its organization and has planned all of the drills therefore. His life is broad in its interests and has been well spent. He and his family own and occupy a well furnished home in Woodward. Mr Egan deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and of him it may be said:
“He looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.”

1914 Boone County History Book