JOHN T. DONAHOE (DECEASED), PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
The best of the Irish peasantry have made a most valuable addition to the agricultural class of the United States; they are cheerful, quick witted, industrious and ambitious. John T. Donahoe possessed all the characteristics of his people, and was long one of the most progressive and popular farmers of Pleasant township. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 25th of September, 1817, the son of Richard and Bridget Donahoe. His parents were natives of the same county, where his mother died, and after her death the father came to the United States, passing away at South Bend, Ind.
John T. Donahoe reached manhood as a resident of the Emerald Isle, passing his more mature years in farming and weaving. In 1840, being then about twenty-two years of age, he emigrated to the United States, settling first in northern Indiana. He there engaged in farming, and continued the same occupation in Berrien county, Mich. Mr.Donahoe became a permanent resident of Cass county in 1870, locating on the farm in Pleasant township where he lived until the date of his death, September 12, 1902. At the time of his death he was the owner of a fine estate of 240 acres, which had been cultivated and improved through his own exertions and good management. He had also attained standing in the community, as a reliable, intelligent and highly moral citizen, as was evidenced by his service as justice of the peace, and other tokens of public esteem. The deceased passed away, a faithful member of the Catholic Church; his wife is still living.
J. T. Donahoe was married in Indiana to Margaret Hagan, a native of Ireland, and to their union were born ten children, of whom seven are still living, viz.: Richard and James, of Lewis; Henry and Charles, both residents of the county; Jennie, now Mrs. J. O'Connor; Josie, now Mrs. Potts, and Robert A., living on the home farm.
Robert A. Donahoe was born in Berrien county, Mich., on the 30th of May, 1869, but came to Iowa with his parents when an infant, and has resided on the old homestead in Pleasant township practically all his life. He was educated and reared in Cass county, and in 1897 married Maud Ruckman, daughter of John and Eveline Ruckman, who were pioneers of Wapello county, this State, coming into that region as early as 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Donahoe have an adopted daughter, Buehla H., and the family ranks among the most substantial in the county.
From "Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 320-321.
