James McGowan b. 1821 Mayo d. 1925 Will Co. Illinois
This is transcribed from a newspaper article about my Great great grandfather.
James McGowan 1821-1925
James McGowan Succumbs At Age 104 Years Wilton Twp. Home.
At the age of 104 years, James McGowan, one of the oldest settlers in Will county, died last Friday at the home of his son, Bernard McGowan of Wilton, following an illness of nearly a year.
Mr. McGowan was born in County Mayo, Ireland, on March 20, 1821 and came to America when a youth of 15 years. He first settled in Canada, but in 1853, made his way to Illinois, settling here in Will county.
Fours years after his arrival here he was united in marriage to miss Mary Ann Burke, who proceeded him in death 12 years ago.
Mr. McGowan resided in Joliet four years and then moved to Wilton twp, where he had lived since that time. For many years he conducted a truck farm and also engaged in road construction. He retired 15 years ago.
Despite the fact that he passed the century mark, living twice the ordinary span of life, Mr. McGowan retained all his facilities up until the time of his death and his memory was as keen as that of a man half his age.
Until two weeks ago he shaved himself, without the aid of a mirror and with steady hand.
Although he never attended school, and could not write, Mr. McGowan spoke four languages, English, German, French, and Gaelic with ease. The French he learned while employed by a French priest in Canada during his youth. Mr. McGowan is survived by six sons, Michael and Bernard McGowan of this place, Frank McGowan of Evanston Il.
This is were my copy is cut off but I know the other children, John, Thomas and Felix. And the daughters were, Margaret, Mary and Agnes. It also has a photo ofJames.
If anyone has the entire article I’d love to have a copy. I don’t have the name of the paper it appeared in but next to it is story about 1925 Fiscal Year for Village of Manhattan, Illinois.