Obituary

  After a brave fight for life, since being caught and crushed between two road tractors over three weeks ago and after withstanding the ordeal of an operation, our friend and fellow townsman. Mr. J.J. Meehan, finally was unable to continue the struggle and passed away at Mercy hospital at Council Bluffs, accompanied by loved ones, who had been at his bedside were brought home Saturday evening.
  While it was expected for several days or a week past the news of his death brought general sorrow to the community.
  John Joseph Meehan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Meehan deceased, was born in Rock Island county Illinois on June 21st, 1877, and died November 25, 1922. He came to Iowa with his parents in the year 1881, and located on a farm near the present site of Manilla and has practically lived near and in Manilla all his life except for a few years that he lived at Denison, Iowa. On April 12, 1904, he was married at St. Rose of Lima Church, Denison, Iowa to Miss Bridget O'Connor of that city. To this union four children were born, Mary Veronica Meehan Hederman, John (Bud) Joseph Meehan Jr., Clare Meehan and Michael Francis Meehan; who with their mother are left to mourn his loss. Besides his family he leaves one brother Thomas, of Friend, Nebraska and three sisters, Mrs. P. J. Hanrahan of Hunter, North Dakota; Mrs. C. C. Houlihan of Denison, Iowa; and Mrs. P. J. Lally of Manilla, and many nieces and nephews. Two sisters, Mrs. T. A. Hickey and Miss Anna preceded him in death.
  During the early part of his married life and while residents of the farm, the home was among the hospitable in that section and the earlier settlers and older neighbors can well remember today the many acts of charity and kindness which those in need received at their hands. Jack Meehan was their friend and in sickness and sorrow was at their side. His horses, his buggy, his wagon, anything he had was theirs when in need. The distance was never too far or the roads too rough for him to go for a doctor or medicine for a neighbor who was ill. He was there to give assistance and comfort for in sickness and sorrow the same as in health they were all his friends and thus it was that he and his sorrowing family are so kindly remembered today. His lofty sense of honor and sympathetic spirit towards all made for himself and his family a very large circle of reverent and admiring friends, who now with his family and relatives deeply mourn the passing away of such a splendid citizen.
  His honored life will be long remembered by his friends, and the richest treasure he has bequeathed his wife and children is the memory of a career adored with very many Christian virtues.
  Six nephews, John A. O'Connor, Earl and Andrew Hickey, Joe Hanrahan, Adrian Lally and Morella Houlihan acted as pall bearers.
  Funeral services were held Monday, morning at 10 o'clock at the Sacred Heart church of which he was devoted member. Rev. Father Parle, the pastor officiating and delivering a very appropriate sermon.
  The Knights of Columbus and Modern Woodmen, in which he held membership, attended the funeral in a body.
  That his acquaintances were widespread and friends numerous was evidenced by one of the largest attendance that has ever been present at a funeral here, all could not gain entrance to the church, many standing outside. They came from three adjoining counties to pay their last sad rites to their friend at the church service and at the grave, where the body was laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
  Relatives from a distance present at the obsequies were: His brother, Thomas Meehan of Friends, NE; Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Hanrahan and son Joe of Hunting North Dakota; Mrs. M. W. William and Virginia Conway of Aledo, Ill.; Richard Ayers of Knowlton, Iowa; Mrs. Martin Hickey, George and Francis, and Mrs. Mary Cosgrove of Adiar, Iowa; Michael and Tom and Mrs. Martha Talty of Neola; Messrs Jo Talty and John Mack of Corning, Iowa; Mr. Vincent Dolan and sister, Miss Hope of Stuart, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maher, Thomas and Dan O'Conner and Nellie and Mrs. Clark and Mr. Ed Horigan of Imogene, Iowa; Mr. George Gilmore and Mr. M. O'Conner of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mr. Michael O'Conner and Daughter, Miss Mary of Kansas City, Mo.: Dr. T. J. Houlihan of Ida Grove, besides many relatives and friends from Denison, Vail, Dow City, Dunlap, Ute and Buck Grove.
  This paper joins friends in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved in their great loss.
(December 7, 1922)