The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-04-23
Was the Oldest Minister In the City
and a Faithful Labor
er in tho
Field.
BORN IN PENNSYLVANIA
Had Been Resident Here Twenty.
four Years and Was Well
Known In Iowa, Illinois
and Missouri.

A feeling Of genuine sadness pre-
vailed in the city today over the whis-
pered announcement Of the death Of
that honored and venerable citizen,
Rev. James Connoran, who had been
for a number of years identified with
almost every movement inaugurated
for the moral and religious uplift OF
the community. He was Of quiet, I'M
obtrusive personality, passing about
the streets Of the city, bearing
warmth Of brotherly love in his heart,
a smile on his face, kindled with
friendly beam In the eye, and loving
message on his lips, which always
stamped him as man of God. Age
crept upon him, but his youth of
heart and soul continued with him to
the end. for these were immortal and
knew no such word as decay.
Rev. Connoran was born in Leban-
on county, Pa, January 10, 1884, q
member Of family OF ten children,
and of that large family only one
brother survives. When Mr.. Connoran
was a mere infant the family moved
west to Indiana and there he received
his education, attending Butler col
lege at Indianapolis. Later the family
moved to near Winterset, where Mr..
Connoran taught school for some
time and there he began his career as
a minister of the gospel, and in the
house where he taught school in or
near Winterset, he preached his first
sermon. That was probably over a
half century ago, and he has been
a devoted follower and teacner for the
Master ever since.
He was q veteran of the civil war,
enlisting as volunteer soldier in
regiment and served to the end as an
obedient and exemplary soldier Of his
country as we'll as true and faithful
: soldier of the cross. In all his long
career he always kept in mind his
duty to God, himself, his country, his
home and the welfare of his friends,
neighbors and community.
I On September /. 1887, he was mar
ried to Miss Marie F.. Coons, near
has proved loving and worthy help
mate, who feels with the deepest sor-
row the great loss she has sustained
by the death of a noble and affection
ate husband.
A. a Pastor Here.
! In 1890 Keokuk became his home
I. -. 1Jol nC%o If Ia
Christian church here, to whose serv-
ice he gave several years of his earn
est, active and Industrious life with
out probably any promise or expecta-
ton of earthly reward for his labors.
1t is told Of him that on one occasion
here, so thoroughly aroused was he
for a church here, ample for the &C.
commodation of the growing congrega-
ton, that he unselfishly laid aside his
own interests, and engaged in the sale
of books to raise 800 with which to
make the necessary first payment on
q lot upon which to erect a church
building. His purpose was accom-
Eplished, perhaps beyond his first de-
termination. While pastor here no
pastor was more generally respected
or had a deeper confidence Of the con-
gregation than he.
For several months he has been
what his observing friends considered
in failing health, but he continued his
errands Of love and me.cy about the
CITY practically UP to the time Of his
death He was out on the streets yes
terday, and Tuesday he attended
funeral at which he offered a prayer.
Yesterday afternoon he returned to
him home in the middle OF the after
noon saying he felt all right. Later
he complained seriously Of his breast
hurting. A doctor was speedily sum-
moned and made quick response,
treating him according to his appar-
ent needs and leaving medicine to be
administered in his absence. The
physician left. feeling no special
alarm as to the condition of his pa
tent. After the doctor had departed,
Mr.. Connoran, who had been doing,
was aroused and in his usual strong
voice asked about the doctors visit
and if he had left him any medicine
After being assured, Mrs. Connoran
turned away from the sick bed to ad-
Just something on table nearby.
, With her back to him, she discovered
something unusual in has breathing
, and turned suddenly to him. His face
had an unnatural appearance and she
l rapidly commenced to administer to
/. him by rubbing his face and finally
sprinkled some water in his face He
p gently opened his eyes and looned up
lins moved as II at.