Posted on: PaloAlto County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/PaloAltoObits/642 Surname: Hester, O'Brien, Thompson, Reidy, Kelly, Nally, Lumery ------------------------- Emmetsburg Democrat Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa 16 Dec 1925 Michael Hester Called to Reward Spent 40 Years of His Useful Life in Palo Alto County Tuesday morning our many citizens were surprised to learn of the death of Michael Hester, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.M. Thompson of this city, during the night. He was ill for a short time. Gangrene of the feet, following an attack of diabetes, proved fatal. Few of his friends had learned of his serious condition. The funeral was held this forenoon. Services were conducted in St. Thomas church, the pastor, Father McNerney, officiating. A large number of old relatives and friends were in attendance. The burial was in the family lot in St. John's cemetery. Michael Hester was born in Louisburg, county of Mayo, Ireland, April 10, 1842. Hence he was completing his 83rd year. When a small boy his parents emigrated from Ireland to Canada where they remained for six years, later coming to the United States and settling in the vicinity of Fondulac, Wisconsin. When a young man Mr. Hester located in Butler County, this state. On November 7, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary O'Brien of Cedar Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Hester resided in the vicinity of Greene until 1885 when they came to this county. They bought a fine farm northwest of this city. They were frugal and thrifty and they became very prosperous. Several years ago they built a home in Emmetsburg, subsequently residing in our midst. Mrs. Hester died October 8, 1923, after which Mr. Hester made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Thompson, but spent several months with another daughter, Mrs. Reidy of Davenport. Mr. Hester's death is mourned by two sons, A.C. of this place and Leo A of Creston, Iowa. There are three daughters-Mrs. E.M. Thompson of this city, Mrs. J.K. Reidy of Davenport and Mrs. Martin Kelly of Jamestown, North Dakota. An only brother, P.J. Hester, resides at Sherwood, North Dakota. There are two sisters-Mrs. James Nally of Emmetsburg, and Mrs. Geo Lummery , of Hutchinson, Minnesota. Two brothers, John and Will, and a sister, Mrs. Edward Ryan, died in this locality a number of years ago. Mr. Hester was recognized among the thrifty, dependable, sterling Christian gentlemen of our county. He was a man of the best of habits. He was friendly and warm hearted and was highly and justly honored by the many who knew him. He met his obligations promptly and fully. It was a pleasure to do business with him. He had the happiness to see his sons and daughters grow up to useful and respected membership in social and business circles and Providence spared him to a ripe old age. He was a substantial, tasty home builder and at all tiems gave generous assistance to his church and to worthy home community movements. During his long residence in our county we knew him as a warm friend and an ardent well wisher. We learn with profound sorrow of his death. Our sympathy goes out to the surviving members of his good family in their bereavement. Link: Palo Alto County, Iowa USGenWeb Project URL: <http://www.rootsweb.com/~iapaloal/paloalto.htm>