The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1904-05-27
J. J. Shanahan Passes Away at Mad
ison Lake This Morning.
He Was An Excellent Citizen and
a Staunch Friend.
An Ardent Republican Who Fought
for Party Principles.
Leaves Behind a Worthy Family and
a Stainless Name.
From Fridays Daily.


Mr.. j. j. Shanahan, one of the pioneer
settlers of Blue Earth county and for
twenty eight years resident of James
town, died at his home in Madison Lake
at eight o'clock this morning, aged sixty
three
In the death of Mr.. Shanahan the peo-
pie of Blue Earth county have lost one
of their most loyal and well known citi-
zens, the wife most genial, lovable and
most affectionate and indulgent father.
Deceased was one of those positive char
acters who never ran from danger, never
evaded duty and never apologized for
what he believed was right though op-
posed by a multitude. He was as gener-
GUS as he was positive, and he could
never do too much nor 60 too far to be-
friend friend.
Mr.. Shanahan was born in the City
of Cork, Ireland, but his mother having
been left a widow about the time of
the birth of the son, she removed to Lon
don, England, when j. j. was about
two years old. When sixteen years of
age young Shanahan thought to try his
fortunes in America, and set sail for
this country, first settling in Indiana.
Here he lived until the fall of 1865, when
he migrated west, locating in Shakopee,
| where he resided until 1877 at which date
he purchased farm in Jamestown where
he lived until last fall when he sold his
farm and bought little home in Madi
son Lake, intending to spend the balance
of his days in quiet enjoyment. For
the past year the deceased had been fail
ing in health, although his indomitable
will-power kept him up and about until a
few days previous to his death. He was
cheerful-as became his nature-to the
last, and his mind, always keen and
alert, was clear to the last. But the
end came and he was prepared to meet
it, conscious and content, in the thought
that his life had been spent in trying
to do unto others as he would have
others do unto him. One of the last
requests that he made was: 81 have
four boys and want only four handles
on my coffin and my sons to bear me to
my last resting place." This wish will be
carried out to the letter.
Mr.. Shanahan leaves a wife, four sons,
c. j., M. p, B. F. and j. NJ, and three
daughters, Mrs. Levins, Miss Nellie and
Miss Tilla. The sons are all splendid
business men. G.. j. and M. P. reside in
Faribault, DIR. B. F. is practicing physi-
clan of Chicago and J. NJ is a resident of
Worthington. Mrs. Levins resides at
Madison Lake and the two unmarried
daughters at home.
Besides large family and giving each
of his children good education, deceased
left sufficient property to take good
and sufficient care of those dependent
upon him.
The immediate cause of death was
cancer of the stomach, and no medical
skill could give him relief. The old
settlers of Blue Earth county will sim
cerely regret to learn of Mr. Shanahan's
death, and in no gathering of
public character will he be missed as
much as in Republican conventions, as
he was as ardent an advocate of the
principles embodied in that organiza-
ton as man could be.
The Free Press desires to express its
great appreciation of the many manly
qualities possessed by deceased, and to
extend to the family it's sincere SYM
pathy over their loss.
The date of the funeral has not yet
been decided upon, but it is expected to
take place either Sunday or Monday.