Michael Cawley Dies

Expires at His Home in This City Friday Evening--Was an Old Resident

Death has again invaded the ranks of our old settlers, this time removing from our midst a respected Irish citizen, Michael Cawley. For about two years the old gentleman had been in feeble health, and for nearly six months he has been as helpless as a babe, being confined to his bed, and wasted away, until his frail body was no longer able to sustain the fast fading spark of life, and he sank peacefully to a well earned rest.

Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church Monday morning and his remains were followed to the Catholic Cemetery by a large number of neighbors and old friends. His wife and eight of his surviving children were at his bedside during his last moments, and at his funeral services.

Michael Cawley was born in County Mayo, Ireland, August 14, 1818. In 1842 he crossed the broad Atlantic and landed in Toronto, Canada, afterwards coming the States and marrying Miss Ella Jackson, May 29th, 1853, at Rochester, New York. Having a desire to become a citizen of the great west he came with his wife to Rochelle in November, 1854, and has continued a respected citizen of our city ever since. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cawley, ten of whom, together with the faithful wife, survive the husband and father. A son, James died in 1894.

(Taken from the front page of the Rochelle Register, Friday, July 24, 1896.)

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