Iowa Recorder Greene, Butler Co, IA Mar 22, 1905 In Memoriam Died, at his home, near Greene, Iowa, March 17, 1905, Thomas Hanley, in the 70th year of his age. The above brief notice comes with a weight of sorrow into the hearts and homes of hundreds who for many long years have known Thomas Hanley and whose warm hand has pressed there own in days of trouble and in days of cheer. He was a genial, warm-hearted man who made friends of all with whom he came in contact. In the early days, when all our pioneers were equally poor, the needy found in him a friend and brother. Thomas Hanley was born August 8, 1835, at Roscommon, Ireland. His parents died while deceased was yet a child and at seven years of age the little boy came to America and made his home with devoted sisters at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In his Wisconsin home he grew to manhood and engaged in the lumber business. In 1868 he came to Butler County and was married to Miss Mary Higgins, who survives him. To this happy union ten children have been born, all of whom reside at home. As the deceased drew near to the end of life's journey, and the dew of death gathered upon his brow, a noble wife and ten devoted children surrounded his cot. While it was doubtless sad for him to leave so large and gifted a family, yet he had made few if any mistakes in life, had been a true husband and kind father, and with a husband's and father's blessing, and with no duty to man or God unperformed, he could close his eyes in peaceful rest, and thus ended the life of this grand and good old pioneer. For many months he had been a great sufferer and it has long been known that he was slowly but surely nearing the Valley of death. All that a devoted family could do was done, but to no avail and the battle is o'er and death is crowned victor. His death has called forth the warmest feelings of regret of more than ordinary character. There are too few Thomas Hanley's in this old world. All who were intimately acquainted with him knew him to be a man in the highest sense. His friends were made for him by his real character. He was a man in the highest sense of all the word implies. As husband, father, neighbor, friend and citizen, Thomas Hanley was as near without a fault as human nature can get. He leaves to his ever devoted wife and large family, a beautiful home and broad acres of rich land which he has accumulated by honest toil, but better than all this he leaves them a name for all that is honorable and good. The funeral was held at St. Mary's church Monday, March 20, at 10:30, and this large and commodious church was filled with those who desired to pay a last tribute of respect to one they had long known and honored. One could but notice among the large audience were many from a distance who had traveled longs miles to show a mark of honor to the silent sleeper in casket. The floral decorations were profuse and beautiful. The Catholic Order of Foresters contributed a cross of the most beautiful and fragrant roses, while other friends came laden with earths choicest bloom. Father Sheehy paid a fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased after which the body was tenderly conveyed to the funeral car and a long procession of mourning relatives and friends followed to the Silent City where was consigned to the grave all that was mortal of Thomas Hanley. The pall bearers were men who had known him and been close friends for a quarter of a century, and their eyes moistened as they lowered their old pioneer friend into his last resting place. The Pall bearers consisted of J.E. Downing, John O'Brien, Thomas Grady, B. Ramker, J.W. Williams and John Anderson. Around the new grave was the aged wife and ten children, namely: Matt, Anna, Albert, Nellie, Sarah, Walter, Emmett, Joseph, Grace and Mercy. To this large and gifted family the Recorder unites with the entire community in extending warmest sympathy and would remind them that the separation is only temporary. So at the tomb, surrounded by his family let us drop the curtain and not think of our friend as dead, but in peaceful sleep. FYI- Not related. Cathy Joynt Labath The Irish in Iowa http://www.celticcousins.net/irishiniowa/index.htm