Tampico Tornado (transcribed by Les Niemi)

February 19, 1887

 

DIED

 

CONROY – At his residence, one mile south of Tampico, on Friday, February 11th, 1887, of paralysis of the heart, James CONROY; aged 74 years.

 

The deceased was a native of Ireland, and came to New York in his youth, from whence he removed to Illinois in 1846, locating and erecting a house and making his home where he died.  He broke the sod and tilled the soil and collected around him a competency as a reward of an industrious, frugle [sic] and upright life.

 

His family, of eight children and his estimable wife, were his stay and comfort of his declining years.  He was a kind and indulgent father, and in return was honored, respected and loved by his family, with the love that was strong and unfaltering.  As a man he was esteemed and respected by all who know him and all had a kind and pleasant word for “Uncle Jimmy,” wherever he went.  In his dealings he was upright, conscientious and honest, his word was a good as his acts.  He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and a devout Christian, keeping his mind steady on the faith to which he adhered, with the full assurance that he was loved by his friends, and would obtain his reward in the great hereafter.

 

“Oh, how awed in this assurance,

 

‘Midst the conflict and the strife;

 

Although sorrows past endurance

 

Follow us through life.”

 

During late years he had been rather feeble, yet his indomitable will kept him up, and he often tried to do more than his body could endure.  He had one attack lately and his family were seriously fearful that something of a worse nature would befall him, and consequently kept a careful watch over him.  On the day of his death Mr. CONROY was apparently in his usual health.  He went out to the barn to feed his chickens, as he was accustomed to do.  After being out about fifteen minutes, Mrs. CONROY sent her daughter, Agnes, to see where her father was.  When the child went out she discovered her father laying upon the ground near the corn crib.  She ran to him and found that he was lifeless.  She, with the assistance of Mr. Olaf PETERSON, carried him to the house, deceased being yet warm.  Dr. A.C. SMITH was summoned, but his patient had passed beyond all human aid.

 

The funeral took place in St. Mary’s church, Sunday morning, Father FITZSIMMONS, of Peoria, officiating.  There was a large concourse of relatives and friends in attendance, who followed the remains to the last resting place with bowed heads and heavy hearts.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community in this their sad hour of bereavement.