Date : 19 Mar 1895
Location : Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Petersville, IA
Jas. Keegan an old and respectable citizen living north of Rock Valley, died at his home last Monday evening at the advanced age of 73 of congestion of the lungs. Mr. Keegan was born in Ireland and came to this country in 1850 and settled in Clayton country where his remains were taken for burial. He leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters in good circumstances to mourn his loss. He was a member of the Catholic church and services were held at St. Mary's church, Rev. Father Phelan delivering the obsequies address. The funeral held Tuesday was the largest ever seen here.
[Rock Valley] Register - Mar 22, 1895
Research notes for James
James was a stowaway coming to the United States through Canada at the time of the potato famine in Ireland, 1845-1847. In 1850 he came to the U. S. and settled in Clinton County. In 1886, James and his wife, Catherine, came to Rock Valley from Petersville, IA. [ These Irish peoples came to Bytown, Canada, which is now a part of the city of Ottawa.] (Petersville Church Book) They farmed in Lyon County. Both James and Catherine were returned to Petersville to be buried.
James' Age - why 1815??
1856 census - listed age 30 - ~1826
1860 census - listed age 35 - ~1825
1870 census - listed age 47 or 49 - ~1821 or ~1823
1880 census - listed age 57 - ~1823
1885 census - listed age 63 - ~1822
1895 census - listed age 72 - ~1823
I'm not sure how we all got to 1815 (I guess I got there from my aunt MEK), but I simply can't believe that's true anymore. My guess is 1822.
Interesting Tidbit...
James Keenan Immigration to New Brunswick...
Name KEENAN, JAMES
Age 23
Occupation FARMER
From --
County --
Country IRELAND
Port Sailed From BALLYSHANNON
Vessel SUSAN JANE
Port of Entry SAINT JOHN
Year 1838
Note PASSENGER
Microfilm F9799
Archival Reference RS23 E1/1838h8
