Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1916-08-17
VOL. xxx.
PATRICK MCMAHON
DIED YESTERDAY
HOnored and Respected Resident of
Audubon Answers the Final
Summons

We are panied to chronicle the
death of Patrick Mcmahon, which oe-
Cured at his home in this city yes
terday morning about six o'clock, fol-,
lowing an illness of several years, al
though his illness has not been crit
ical until the past two weeks. Prob
ably no person living within the con-
fines of Audubon or vicinity held
warmer place in the hearts of all
than did Pat Mcmahon. Many here
have known hi msince they were
children when they attended the
public schools here, where he served
so faithfully as janitor so many years
He was a great friend of the chill
dren and was always befriending them
counseling them, and guiding them
automatically past their quarrels and
difficulties. In his death all have lost
very dear and jovial friend. His
disposition radiated sunshine and
happiness. wherever he might be. To
possess such a character and heart
of true gold is the greatest heritage
of Gods nobelmen, and will serve as
safe transport over life's unchart-
cred sea. His death has brought
cup of sorrow to the lips of relatives
and friends. He was one of most
heroic mold-brave, generous and
manly. His was the soul of honor,
and his friends and friendships were
sacred to him.
There was daily beauty about his
life which won every heart. In tenn
permanent he was mild, conciliatory
and candid; and yet remarkable for
an incorporating firmness. He
gained confidence when he seemed
least to seek it.
He believed that linen and women,
youth and children, seek the friend
ship of the sunny-faced." That "All
doors are open to those who smile"
That "All social circles welcome
cherriness." That "A sunny face is
the open sesame to hearts and ihomes.
He believed in the fatherhood of
God and the brotherhood of man He
believed that the man who scatters
flowers in the pathway of his fellow
men, who lets into the dark places of
life the sunshine of human sympathy
and human happiness, is following in
the footsteps of his Master.
Patrick Mcmahon was born on
September 5, 1S49, in County Upper
airy, Ireland, the son of John and
Bridget (Needham) Mcmahon, both
natives of Tipperary. When Patrick
was very small boy, his father died
of CHAMBERS, disease which he con-
tracted from horse, he being a far
mer and dealer in horses. Follow
ing the death of his father, he came
to America in 1855 with his widowed
mother and two small brothers and
one sister, locating at Rock county,
Wisconsin. They found a nuncle at
Wisconsin. They found an uncle at
there, where they made their home
until 1883. Until his sixteenth year,
Patrick attended school in GAINESVILLE,
Wisconsin. Then he became a fire.
man on the Chicago & Northwestern
railway. Later, he was promoted to
the position of engineer, end contin-
ued in the employ of the railroad
company until 1892, when he resign
ed his position and moved to Audu-
bon, which has been his domicile ever
since. For eighteen years, he was
the janitor of the school building
here, and he discharged those duties
most faithfully and efficiently Many
now grown to womanhood and man
hood, recall with tender and lasting
recollections their associations with
him, and his ever readiness to be-
friend them. 1t is said that Pat Of
ten waited a minute longer to ring
the tardy bell, if he should see some
child who was arriving little late.
1t was always in Pat to do a charit-
able act, If such was possible.
Mr.. Mcmahon was united in mar
riage on April 10, 1880, TO Miss Mary
Desmond. To them were born but
one child, John Mcmahon. who is at
home, and who has been assisting in
caring for his father during his ILL
ness. They have just completed the
erection of fine new residence,
which the deceased was allowed to
enjoy but few months.
The funeral services will be held
tomorrow morning at nine O'Clock,
from st. Patrick's church, and inter
ment made in the Catholic cemetery.