Emmetsburg Democrat Emmetsburg, Palo Alto Co, Iowa June 1950 Edward (E) McNally, one of Emmetsburg's oldest active businessmen, marked his 86th birthday Sunday, June 11. One of the real old timers in this vicinity he came here with his parents via the covered wagon trails 75 years ago. The McNally family upon arrival in town settled just west of the Des Moines river and began farming operations. Ed worked with his parents on the farm. Schools were few and far between and formal education ended with the third grade. Not being one to quit he built on this education until he was quite versed in buiness and financial matters. He is head of the McNally real estate and abstract business here. Mr. McNally was 23 when he met Miss Jennie Griffen in Emmetsburg and after a year of courtship the couple married. They had eight children, three boys and five girls, six of whom are living. All of the children live in or near Emmetsburg with the exception of one daughter Sister Mary Edwardetta who is teaching at Holy Angels convent in Milwaukee, Wis. Mrs. McNally passed away 28 years ago and the children describe their father as having been both mother and father to them. A long career of business and public service is pleasant to look back on. He has not only been prominent in the real estate and loan business but also served as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, school board member, deputy sheriff, and has held other responsible posts. He still actively supervises his office in Emmetsburg. In addition to Sister Mary Edwardetta, his children are Ray and Maurice McNally, Mrs. Floyd McCain, Mrs. Paul Kerber and Mrs. D.W. Joynt all of the Emmetsburg vicinity. [Note: this was my great grandfather. I believe the abstract business he started is still in the family and is run by a great grandson,Tim McCain. Edward McNally died 6 months after his 86th birthday on 12/11/1950.]