Fagan Family History

FAGAN, LOFTUS, RYAN, MCBRIDE, KEMP

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 11/11/2006 at 16:55:52

AYRSHIRE, IOWA CENTENNIAL
1882-1982

p. 162

FAGAN FAMILY HISTORY

John Fagan Sr. and Mary Loftus of Mayo, Ireland, were married in 1855 in England. They came to the United States in 1865 and lived in Delaware County, Iowa, until 1872. They moved to Palo Alto County, locating on a farm in Great Oak Township. Mr. Fagan predeceased his wife and later Mrs. Fagan moved to Ayrshire. Eleven children were born to this union, four dying in infancy.

The other seven children were Patrick Fagan, Laurens; David Fagan, Emmetsburg; Mrs. Julia Ryan, Des Moines; Bridget Fagan, Ayrshire; Mrs. Nellie McBride, Ayrshire; Thomas Fagan, Ayrshire; and John Fagan, Ayrshire.

Nellie McBride’s husband, John, operated a hardware store in Ayrshire until his death. The store was located on the north side of the street right next to the hotel. After Mr. McBride’s death, the business closed and a newspaper was published from the building by a Mr. Lent.

Thomas Fagan operated the Ayrshire livery stable for many years. Tom was also noted for his “winter chariot” rides in his one-seated cutter. He died in 1956 and never married.

John Fagan had his own real estate and insurance business which he operated until 1956. He married Kathryn Harty in 1913 and they resided in the former home of his mother until the death of his wife in 1956. That home is currently owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Homer Jorgenson. John and Mrs. Fagan were the parents of two daughters, Mary Fagan and Kathryn Fagan Kemp. Mr. Fagan died in 1958.

Mrs. Fagan was the postmaster in Ayrshire for fifteen years, retiring in 1950. Prior to marriage, she was a school teacher in Clare, Iowa. After moving to Ayrshire, she was very active in community affairs, particularly coaching / directing plays that were held in the local opera house with all local talent. Proceeds from these plays went to help pay for expenses and building of the local convent.