First Generation

1. Edward Quirk1,2,3 was born2,3,4,5,6,7,8 1791 in County Cork, Ireland. He died1,2,3 26 Feb 1889 in Iowa and was buried2,3 in St. Martin's Cemetery, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Edward was1 farming in 1848 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for6 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for5 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for8 16 Jun 1880 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.

Notes -

1.  Given name, birth date and birth place of Edward Quirk ref. US Census records.

a.  The Historical and Biographical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa, 1887 references Edwin [Edward], the father of Fr. Michael Quirk as over 100.  This is probably an embellishment of the truth as census figures are consistent with a 1800 birth date until the 1880 Census when his age suddenly increased by five years. 

i.   US Census, 1850, South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Edward Quirk, age 50 [1800].

ii.  US Census, 1860, South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Edmund Quirk, age 60 [1800].

iii. US Census, 1870, South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Edmund Quirk, age 70 [1800].

iv.  US Census, 1880, South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Edwin Quirk (Edwian), age 85 [1795].

b.  Casey family history as compiled by genealogist John (Jack) Casey lists Edward's birth year as 1779.  This is most likely a typographical error with 1799 being the intended date.  Jack Casey also cites the 1856 Iowa Census showing Edward Quirk as 55.

c.  Rev. Loras C. Otting, Archivist Archdiocese of Dubuque notes in his e-mail 22 Apr 2004 to Richard C. Casey that:

Paul Neiers recorded all the tombstones in the Cascade cemetery, and sent me a printout.

In St. Martin Cemetery, now Calvary, are three Quirks, namely, Edward born 1791, died Feb. 26, 1889, age 98; Johanna, born 1820, died June 04, 1892, age 72; Ellon (sic) Nellie, born 1839, died Feb. 21, 1923, age 84.

2.  Ref. to the emigration date of Edward Quirk to the United States.

Edward Quirk was listed in 1856 as having been in the United States 7 years.  He was described as a landowner-farmer with 80 acres of improved land and 1,000 acres of unimproved land.  In addition to land his assets are listed as 19 tons hay, 10 bushels grass seed, 3 acres spring wheat and 97 bushels harvested wheat.

In reality, Edward had been in the US for a much longer period of time than '7' years as his eldest son Michael is listed in the Historical and Biographical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, 1887, as having been born November 29, 1838 in Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi.

Allowing that genealogist Jack Casey's later notation that land was granted to Edward Quirk in 1848 is accurate, it is likely that Edward Quirk in 1856 had been in Delaware County Iowa - not the United States - for a period of '7' years.

Edward married Johanna Shane1, daughter of Unknown Shane and Mary Unknown. Johanna was born2,5,7,8,9,10 1820 in Co. Limerick, Ireland. She died2,11 4 Jun 1892 in Iowa and was buried2,12 6 Jun 1892 in Calvary Cemetery, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Johanna was7,8,13 keeping house in 1848 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for13 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for8 16 Jun 1880 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was buried from12 St. Martin's Catholic Church 1892 at Cascade, Cascade Township, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Notes -

1.  Federal Census records record various ages and name spellings.  All sources list Johanna's birthplace as Ireland.

     a. US Census, 1850 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Johannah Quirk, age 31 [1819].

     b. US Census, 1860 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Johanna Quirk, age 43 [1817].

     c. US Census, 1870 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Johanah Quirk, age 48 [1822].

     d. US Census, 1880 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Joanna Quirk, age 58 [1822].

Editor's Note:  This database uses the spelling recorded in the St. Martin's Church Cemetery Records, Cascade, Iowa - Johanna.

2.  Ref. birth year of Johanna Shane Quirk.

a. The Casey family history as compiled by John (Jack) Casey suggests two ages for Johanna Shane Quirk. One lists a birth date of 1800 with no reference.  The other reference is the Iowa Census of 1856 which lists Johanna as age 34 - implying a birth date of 1822.

b. Based on the US Census data for South Fork Township, 1850 - 1880, it is likely that Johanna Shane Quirk was born abt 1820.

3.  Later Federal Census records for Patrick Augustus and Mary Quirk Casey imply that Johanna Quirk was born in Canada.

a. US Census, 1900 - Ward 3, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

b. US Census, 1910 - Ward 3, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

c. US Census, 1920 - Ward 3, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

d. US Census, 1930 - Ward 3, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

Editor's Note:  Census records for other children are inconsistent, showing Johanna's birthplace as Ireland or Canada.  What is known is that Johanna came to the United States via Canada.  Ireland is most often referenced as Johanna's birthplace.

The sons of Mary Shane, thought to be the Mother of Johanna Shane Quirk, on the farm neighboring the Edward Quirk family are all shown to have been born in Ireland.

It is probable that Johanna was born in Ireland, emigrated to Canada; then emigrated from Canada to the United States.

4.  Ref. siblings of Johanna Shane Quirk.

Based on US Census information for South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa (1880) and US Census information for Grand Junction, Junction Township, Greene County, Iowa (1880) it is thought that Robert N. Shane, age 64 [54] of South Fork and Johanna Shane Quirk, age 58 of South Fork were siblings.  The following facts support this conclusion.

a. The farms of Edward Quirk and Robert Shane bordered one another.

b. In 1880, a Mary Shane was enumerated in both South Fork, Delaware County, Iowa and Grand Junction, Greene County, Iowa.  Robert Shane, neighbor to the Quirk family had a daughter Mary.  It is highly likely Mary, age '13' of South Fork in June 1880 and Mary, age '12' in Grand Junction 'with priest' in July of 1880 are the same individual.  Fr. Michael J. Quirk and sister Mary Quirk (Michael Quirk's housekeeper) would have been first cousins to the younger Mary.  It is completely reasonable to believe that a young first cousin could visit a priest and his sister during the summer months.

c. The US Census, 1900 - Dubuque, Julien Township, Dubuque County, Iowa seems to show the given name of of Johanna's son as Robert 'N.' Quirk.  Robert Shane, neighbor to Johanna Quirk, also had a son Robert 'N.' Shane.

Editor's Note:  This theory was later substantiated in the form of the Obituary for Bridget Hogan Shane, wife of Robert Shane in the Cascade Pioneer, d. 1 Jan 1896, p. 4.

Mrs. Bridget Shane, who was one of the early settlers in the neighborhood of Sand Springs, died at Cedar Rapids last Sunday.  Her maiden name was Hogan and she was about 60 years old.  Her husband was Robert Quirk's uncle.  The funeral took place at Monticello Tuesday.

 5.  Ref. burial place of Johanna Shane Quirk:

a.  Rev. Loras C. Otting, Archivist Archdiocese of Dubuque notes in his e-mail 22 Apr 2004 to Richard C. Casey that:

'Paul Neiers recorded all the tombstones in the Cascade cemetery, and sent me a printout.  In St. Martin Cemetery, now Calvary, are three Quirks, namely, Edward born 1791, died Feb. 26, 1889, age 98; Johanna, born 1820, died June 04, 1892, age 72; Ellon (sic) Nellie, born 1839, died Feb. 21, 1923, age 84'.

b.  Examination of the Burial Index for St. Martin's Cemetery confirms Johanna's burial in the Cemetery, but provides no burial location.  The monument for Edward Quirk, however, is similar to other family monuments of the time.  It is likely that Johanna is buried with her husband, Edward.

They had the following children:

                2    M      i.   Father Michael Joseph Quirk1 was born4,5,6,7,14,15,16 29 Nov 1838 in Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi. He died14,17 15 Aug 1922 and was buried14 in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Michael studied4 at St. Mary's Seminary, Perry County, Missouri. He studied4 at St. Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, CGC, Missouri. He studied4 at St. Thomas Seminary, Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky. He studied4 at St. Frances' Theological College, Milwaukee, MC, Wisconsin. He was accounted for6 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for5 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was ordained14 by Bishop John Hennessy 29 Nov 1871 in St. Raphael's Cathedral, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1872 - 1875 to Sacred Heart Church, Littleport, Clayton County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1872 - 1875 to St. Michael's Church, Garber, Clayton County, Iowa. He was assigned from4 1875 - May 1877 to St. Joseph's Church, Rickardsville, J, Dubuque County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1877 - 1879 to Sacred Heart Church, Reilly Settlement, CC, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1877 - 1879 to St. Rose Church, Eden Township, Fayette County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1879 - 1887 to St. Brigid's Church, Grand Junction, Greene County, Iowa. He was accounted for15 19 Jun 1880 in Grand Junction, Greene County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1887 - 1888 to St. Joseph's Church, Barnum, Webster County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1888 - 1889 to St. Patrick's Church, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1889 - 1890 to Sacred Heart Church, Early, Sac County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1890 - 1892 to St. Joseph's Church, Barnum, Webster County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1892 - 1899 to Mt. St. Clare Convent, Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1889 - 1902 to St. Mary's Church, Hawarden, Sioux County, Iowa. He was accounted for16 11 Jun 1900 in Hawarden, Sioux County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1902 - 1903 to Sacred Heart Church, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1903 - 1904 to St. Columbkille's Church, North Fonda, PC, Iowa. He was assigned from14 1903 - 1907 to Our Lady Of Good Counsel Church, Moorland, WC, Iowa. He retired as14 an active minister 1907. He was assigned from18 1912 - 1917 to Mt. Alverno, NOTFS, Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa. He was accounted for19 24 Sep 1913 in Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa. He retired as18 an active minister 1917.

Notes -

1.  The Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa, Lewis Publishing, Chicago, 1887 cites Fr. Michael J. Quirk's birth date and place as November 29, 1838, Vicksburg, [Warren County,] Mississippi.

2.  Federal Census records provide the following information.

 a. US Federal Census, 1850 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 11 on November 28, birthplace Mississippi [1838].

b. US Federal Census, 1860 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 21 on August 21, birthplace Mississippi [1838].

c. US Federal Census, 1870 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 27 on July 23, birthplace Mississippi [1842].

d. US Federal Census, 1880 - Grand Junction, Greene County, Iowa. Age 36 on June 19, birthplace Mississippi [1843].

e. US Federal Census, 1900 - Hawarden, Sioux County, Iowa.  Age 61 on June 11, birthplace Mississippi [1838].

 3.  Ref. General Biographical Information:

History of Dubuque County, Iowa; Weston A. Goodspeed, ed. by F. T. Oldt and P. J. Quigley; Chicago: Goodspeed Hist. Assoc. 1911

[St. Joseph's Church, Rickardsville, Dubuque County, Iowa]

St. Joseph's church at Rickardsville was established by the French settlers before 1837, about two miles south of the present church. Father Cretin, later bishop, was the first pastor and probably organized the congregation. In 1860 a large frame church was erected at Rickardsville, which was nearer the center of the parish. In 1905 a fine brick building was erected. Among the pastors have been Rev. Frs. Malony, Byrne, Quirk, Daly, Brody, McCarthy, Mahoney, Clark and others. Adjacent is the school, priest's residence and cemetery.

 4.  Ref. General Biographical Information:

Source: 1967 Atlas of Dubuque County, Compiled by the Title Atlas Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota

ST. JOSEPH PARlSH, Rickardsville, Iowa

Nestled on the eastern slope of hills in north central Dubuque County, the spire of St. Joseph Church, Rickardsville, attests to the faith of the typical American in his God. The origins of the parish go back to a nucleus of French settlers from the Trois Rivieres District of Quebec, Canada. The location of the original church was at Five Points, across the valley, south of the present church. As early as 1840, Bishop was visiting the locality to minister to the spiritual needs of the settlers. The first church, constructed of logs, was erected in the early 1840's. Father Joseph Cretin probably organized the parish and served as its first pastor. The early baptismal and matrimonial records of the parish were kept ot the Cathedral in Dubuque. The records preserved in the parish begin with the year 1852. Father Victor Bodon, who was pastor at that time, served the parish until 1860. In that year, the location of the church was changed to Rickardsville and a large frame church was built. From 1860 until 1875, Rickardsville and Holy Cross were served by one pastor who resided at Holy Cross. In 1875, Rev. M. J. Quirk was appointed resident pastor of Rickardsville, and built a substantial frame rectory. He was succeeded by Revs. M. M. Doly; J. P. Brady; M . W. McCarthy; and T. Mahoney. Father George Clarke arrived in Rickardsville in 1893 and was pastor until his death, Sept. 4, 1922. He had spent all of his years as a priest in the parish. The present brick church was dedicated in his pastorate in 1905.

Other pastors who succeeded Father Clarke were: Revs. Hubert Holsters; Joseph Richard; Hermon Dietz; Msgrs. Victor Hintgen; Henry Scharphoff; and the present incumbent, Rev. John P. Smith . The first French settlers were succeeded by an influx of Irish families, then later farmers of German descent from neighboring parishes settled in the Rickardsville parish. Today, it is typically American in its racial composition.

The parochial school was begun in 1927, during the pastorate of Father Holsters and has about 145 pupils enrolled in 8 grades at the present time. The Franciscan Sisters of Dubuque have served in the school since its foundation and are assisted by lay teachers. During the pastorate of Father Deitz, a fine new brick parish house was built. During Msgr. Hintgen's pastorate, Rickardsville became a part of Leo Central Catholic High School in Holy Cross. Msgr. Scharphoff consolidated the participation of the parish in the Central High School.

Today the parish consists of about 125 families. About oneself of these commute to Dubuque for work, and the other half are engaged in the pursuits of agriculture.

 5.  Ref. Clayton County, Iowa

Transcribed by Roxanne Barth for the IAGenWeb Archives.  Submitted August, 2000, by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Clayton County Coordinator.

Township history from History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co., 1882. Reproduced by the sponsorship of the Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa, reproduction Evansville, Indiana: Unigraphics, Inc., 1975, p. 729-736.

a.  Littleport.

The Roman Catholic church, a short distance from the village, was built in 1870, by the parish of Littleport. It was superintended and erected by D. Hays. Father J.J. Quigley was the first pastor and preached the first sermon. After one year he was succeeded by Father Michael Quirk, in 1872. He was in charge nearly five years, and was succeeded by Father B.W. Coyle in 1876. He is the present pastor. The first executive committee were Dennis Hays, John Farrell and Timothy Murphy. They purchased forty acres of land in 1876 for the church and for a cemetery. The present membership is about thirty-five families. There is a Sunday-school of 100 in connection with the church.

b.  Cox Creek

The Cox Creek Church of the Sacred Church was built in 1875, at an expense of $2,000. It was paid for by subscription, collected by Rev. M. J. Quirk. This Father was the first pastor of the church. James Burns, Englebert Ollinger, Bartholomew Dillon, James Ivory, Timothy Glenning, John Dunn and Michael Carr (who gave the land for the church) were among the first members of the church. The first religious services were held in private houses, particularly at the homes of Michael O'Brien, James Joy and B. Dillon. They were conducted first by Father Michael Lynch. He was succeeded in turn by Father McGinnis, Father Nagel, Father Obyrne, Father Quigley, Father Quirk, Father Coyle, Father Hackett and Father Rowe, the present pastor. The present membership is 225, and the church is now prosperous, and the building is soon to be put in thorough repair. There is a Sunday-school of forty members, organized in 1875. The average attendance is thirty-five.

 6.  Ref. Sacred Heart Church as cited by Michael F. O'Brien, Clayton County, IA USGenWeb Project 

Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Cox Creek

by Mary Grace Opitz

Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Cox Creek was located five miles north of Strawberry Point in a beautiful valley along present Highway #13. It was built in 1873 at a cost of $2.000 paid for by parishioners. It was built on an acre of land donated by Michael and Anna Carr to Archbishop John Hennessey of Dubuque. The Carr's lived across the road where Alan Kirby now lives, also known as the Joe McTaggart farm. Father Michael Quirk of the Elkport parish was the organizer and priest. Before the church was built the area was served by pioneer missionary priests from Elkport, Holy Cross and Dubuque who said Mass in private homes, some of them being the home of Bartholomew Dillon, James Ivory and Michael O'Brien on an occasional basis. Every year after the church was built the Elkport priest came up every third Sunday, going to Greeley one Sunday also. It was dedicated on June 16, 1876.

In 1859 two acres of land located near-by was purchased from William and Sarah Johnson by Bishop Clement Smith of Dubuque for $50 to be used as a cemetery. Michael Carr was the first person buried there in April 1875. The cemetery is well cared for and perpetual care is provided for the future.

In 1879 St. Mary's Catholic Church in Strawberry Point was built and the Cox Creek Church became an out mission of it for over half a century.

Custodians of the Cox Creek Church during its 73 years of existence were Michael McTaggart and later his son Joe both of whom lived across the road on Joe's grandfather Michael Carr's farm.

Minutes before Mass was to begin on Sunday Feb. 10, 1946 someone saw flames coming up through the register from the furnace. Before firemen could arrive the fire had spread considerably and the entire structure was burned to the ground in a short time. The parishioners then transferred to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Strawberry Point.

The priests who served Sacred Heart Church from 1873 to 1946 were the Rev. Father's Michael Quirk 1870-1875, B. W. Coyle 1876, John Hackett 1876-1881, Thomas Rowe 1881-1904, John Hartigan 1904-1914, B. E. Erdland 1914, Patrick Reynolds 1914, Valentine Casey 1915-1925, John R. Bowen 1925-1932, Patrick Boyle 1933-1945, and John Fagan 1945-1949.

Some names of long time parish member were O'Brien, McTaggart, Olinger, Farmer, Kenneally, Davis, Dillon, Thyne, Henry, Berns, C. Dittmer, Ivory, Connelly, Glennon, Riley, Hanson, Morris, Tinker, Byrnes, Moyna, McDermott, DeWitte, Carnicle, Mullen, Quinn, and Markham.

Submitters notes:

The Cox Creek Sacred Heart Catholic Church burned to the ground on Sunday, February 10, 1946. I was six years old. I remember seeing the flames and smoke from our farm about a mile west of the church. The photos have been in the family for years, however I don't know who took them.

Several years ago I was given a single spaced thirty-four page document written by my father's Aunt Margaret Mary Ivory Henry. This wonderful treasure of a document (I call it "Aunt Maggie Recalls") was written my Aunt Maggie later in her life and it was intended for her sons and daughters, so they would be more able to understand her life in pioneer times in Clayton County. I knew this wonderful bright and witty woman in her later years and in my younger years. Aunt Maggie was born in 1869, the same year as my grandfather Michael F. O'Brien and my grandmother Catherine Luella Henry O'Brien.

In this document Aunt Maggie had a few passages about the Sacred Heart Catholic Church:

"The Catholics had long wished for a church. They must drive in their wagon ten miles to Elkader, though priests sometimes came and had Mass in the homes. I remember Mass being celebrated in our own homes. So in 1873 a church was built at what I might call the crossroads near the Carr home, Michael Carr giving the piece of land for its location. I was but four years old so I don't remember the building. Alex Henry, later my father-in-law, assisted by his eldest son Michael then 18, built the foundation. On the steeple was a ball surmounted by a cross. Before they put up the ball, they wished to have to writings and newspapers put in. John Henry [John Henry was to become Aunt Maggie's husband] tells of being sent to the Carr home nearby for some writing. His grandfather gave it to him and the ball was sealed. Years later when the church was changed, the steeple was taken down and the ball opened. But some boys had shot holes in it and the writing was faded and could not be deciphered. Father Quirk was the first pastor. He also had charge of the parishes of Colesburg and Littleport. My sister Maria was the first to be baptized in the church. That was December 8th. This might have been the first time Mass was said there. The first Marriage was that of ______. The first funeral was that of Michael Carr who died in April 1875, and the first to be buried in the new cemetery some distance north. The land for the cemetery was donated by Michael O'Brien.* "

*submitters note: I have always told family and friends that my great great grandfather Michael Carr donated the 2 acres of land for the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Mary Grace O'Brien Opitz's document on the cemetery said that it was purchased from William and Sarah Johnston by Bishop Clement Smith of Dubuque for $50 to be used as a cemetery.)

---------

I might add that that parcel of land is surrounded on three sides by Michael Carr land, or at least it was part of the Joe McTaggart farm and now the Kirby family owns the surrounding land. Before my time there was a road that went by the cemetery and on down across the creek and them up through the Olinger farm. Part of the Michael O'Brien farm, The O'Brien Century Farm, is across what is now a dead end road from the cemetery. That road used to continue up through the Olinger land and then by Austin Thyne's (dad's cousin/uncle) farm and came out on the old 112 (we called it one hundred and twelve or the Black Top). 112 ran from Volga to Highway 13 and it had been renamed.

I do not know when Mary Grace O'Brien Opitz compiled the information in her manuscript. A copy of it had been in my possession for several years, perhaps fifteen. Mary Grace grew up in Cox Creek on the O'Brien Century Farm down in the valley about a mile from the Sacred Heart Church. She was my father's double first cousin. Parish brothers Michael F. O'Brien and John J. O'Brien married parish sisters Catherine Henry and Rose Henry.

I was born on May 3, 1939 on the Marcus O'Brien farm a mile west of the church on what was then a dirt road and was almost seven years old when the Sacred Heart Catholic Church burned to the ground. I remember this happening and in later years finding pieces of broken stained glass at the site. Michael Carr, who donated the land for the Sacred Heart Church, was my great great grandfather.

When I was a teenager I was the caretaker for the Sacred Heart Cemetery. I last visited the cemetery on 24 February 2000. That was the day after my mother's funeral and I was taking my 25 year old son, Sean Michael, on a tour of the 'Valley of His Ancestors', Cox Creek. We spied a bald eagle flying up the creek near the cemetery, the first I had ever seen in the area. I believe that well over half of those interred in the cemetery are my relatives. On this visit I was happy to see that the area between the upper level and lower level is still being mowed. I was the first to mow this area on a regular basis with a push mower. Before that it was cut once a summer with a horse mower.

I also pointed out to Sean the farm where his great great great grandparents Anna and Michael Carr lived, the farm where his great great great grandfather Daniel Ivory lived, the farm where his great great grandparents Anna Maria and Alexander Henry lived, the farm where his great great grandparents Michael and Margaret O'Brien lived, as well as the farm of his great grandparents Catherine and Michael Francis O'Brien lived and where his grandfather Marcus O'Brien and I, Michael Francis O'Brien, were born in the old farm house.

The irony here is that today I received word via e-mail in my home that Mary Grace O'Brien Opitz had passed away in Strawberry Point, Iowa (April 2000)

- Source of history: undated manuscript by Mary Grace Opitz

- Source of photos: submitters private collection

- Submitted by Michael F. O'Brien

 7.  Ref. General Biographical information

Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa...Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1887

Michael Joseph Quirk, pastor of Grand Junction Catholic church, was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, November 29, 1838, son of Edwin [Edward] Quirk, of Delaware County Iowa, who was born in Cork, Ireland, and is over [nearly] one hundred years old. He is still hale and vigorous. His mother was Joanna [Johanna] Shane, a native of Quebec, Canada. The father was in Chicago when there was nothing to indicate the future great city except the barracks and a tavern. Our subject was educated at St. Mary's Seminary in Perry County, Missouri, and at St. Vincent's College at Cape Girardeau, and in St. Thomas' Seminary at Bardstown, Kentucky. He received his theological education at St. Frances' Theological College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating there in 1870. He was ordained at Dubuque in November 1870, by Bishop Hennessy. After his ordination he went to Clayton county and took charge of mission work in that and adjoining counties until the fall of 1875, when he went to Rickardsville, this State, and built a house of worship, being the first resident priest in that place. In the spring of 1877 he went to St. Rose's in Fayette County, where he had much hard work to do. He finished the church and organized other churches, besides establishing a parochial school there. He came to Grand Junction in September, 1879, and has built up a good congregation. He is building a fine brick church, and has six other appointments besides the one in Grand Junction. He is a very hard worker in the cause of Christianity, sparing neither time nor means to further its interest.

8.  This is from the book "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa" by E. B. Stillman, 1907

TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Greene county is well dotted with villages that have been made possible by the advent of railways, the necessities of the people and the shrewd calculations of men who saw more money for themselves in a farm platted into town lots and covered with buildings than in an ordinary quarter section acreage under best cultivation. There are ten post offices in the county at present: four on the line of the M. & St. L. Railway, Rippey, Grand Junction, Dana and Paton: five on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, Cooper, Jefferson, Farlin, Churdan and Adaza; and Scranton, located on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway (as are also Jefferson and Grand Junction) on the west side of the county. Twenty years ago there were nine post offices. Surry has lost its place on the map, and Farlin and Adaza are towns born since 1890. Angus, a once prosperous coal-mining town of 3,700 people, located in Boone county on the border of Greene, is now a hamlet with less than a hundred people, the mines having been exhausted.

GRAND JUNCTION

Two years after the completion of the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railway through Greene county, a north and south railroad was built from Keokuk to Fort Dodge, passing through the east side of the county. It soon became evident that at the intersection of these two roads there would be a desirable location for a town. The "lay of the land" was discouraging for during a wet season fully half the surface was under water, and for a time after the site was established, muskrat houses were as numerous as human habitations. However, when the fact of a town at this point--to be called Grand Junction--was assured, there was eager competition among the owners of land adjoining the two railroads. "Central Grand Junction" was laid out by Hager and Sons and Percival & Hatton, of Des Moines. Howe, a division superintendent, and Estabrook, roadmaster, laid out "Grand Junction." Herron & Kelley of Pittsburgh, Pa., laid out "South Grand Junction," and Seward Smith, of Des Moines, followed with "West Grand Junction." The town includes, according to limits at present established, parts of sections thirty-two and thirty-three, township, eighty-four, and sections four and five, township eighty-three. Hager & Sons donated twenty acres to the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railway Company with the proviso that the shops be located here, and the land was accepted on the terms proposed.

About this time Dr. C. B. Park and O. B. Miller established lumber yards for the convenience of builders. The first buildings in the embryotic [sic] city were Dr. Park's residence, a store by Geo. C. Hillman, a hardware store by Dr. Park, for a long series of years occupied by H. A. Parmenter & Son, and a bank and several other buildings by Hager & Son, and a bank and several other buildings by Hager & Sons. The Headlight, which pushed into the activities of the town January 1, 1870, did much to encourage immigration and the growth of the place. In fact, the year 1870 was one of the most prosperous Grand Junction ever enjoyed in the way of material progress. The census of that year indicated a population of 444. The growth was steady and stable up to the year 1885, when the enumeration made the population nearly 1,000. At that time one-third of the inhabitants were dependent for support on the railway, the advent of which had really built the town. Hopes ran high during these early years that a branch road would be built from Grand Junction to Sioux City, making the shops permanent and increasing the demand for employees. A few years later the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad took possession of the road, and soon afterward the shops were moved to Valley Junction. Since that time in the matter of growth Grand Junction has been at a standstill. It has always been a good center of local trade, and as the country has been developed by the incoming of new farmers, trade has increased and the same is true of the size of stocks and the character of goods on the shelves of the merchants. It is a remarkable fact that the firm of Geo. C. Hillman & Co., established nearly forty years ago, is still doing business on the same ground and under the same proprietorship as in the beginning.

CHURCHES

St. Bridget's Church.--This parish at one time embraced all of Greene county, the western half of Boone and a small strip of Calhoun county. A division came in 1885, when Rev. George Costello was appointed to St. Patrick's church in Cedar township, with Churdan and Lohrville as out missions. In 1893 Rev. Edward O'Farrell, became pastor of Jefferson, with Scranton and St. Mary's, in Franklin township, as out missions. In 1878 Rev. O'Farrell was made resident pastor at Grand Junction, the parish became a compact unit and was thoroughly organized, all the records in the parochial archives dating from his ministry. His successor was Rev. M. J. Quirk, who remained until 1888, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. P. C. Kenny. Father Quirk's ministry saw many improvements, the opening of Mt. Calvary cemetery, the erecting of the new church, a veneer brick structure in the heart of town and the opening of the parochial school known as St. Mary's academy, in September, 1888, on its present location in block 79. This left the parish property--church and school--in a scattered condition, some four blocks apart, so the present pastor had the church moved in 1896 to its present location, adjoining the school. In 1899 a parochial residence was erected between the school and the church. It is a handsome brick structure, ornamented with cut stone. The financial standing of the parish is excellent. It has ample grounds for all its needs, owns a block and a half of property and has no debt at all. The Grand Junction church recognizes as daughters the prosperous parishes of Jefferson, Ogden and Churdan. It has an out mission parish now supplied by its pastor at Paton, referred to elsewhere.

St. Mary's Academy.--This educational institution, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, was opened in 1888. It has a building well adapted for school uses and handsome grounds, and a campus that  gives ample opportunity for outdoor exercise. The course of study consists of twelve grades, eight of which are preparatory to the high school, which offers an English and classical course of four years. Special attention is paid to the musical department, both in instrumental and vocal lines, embracing the latest and most approved methods. The art department offers a course in drawing and perspective, with oil and water colors as a later benefit. The usual attendance is seventy-five, and the musical class numbers fifty.

 9.  Ref. death of Rev. Michael J. Quirk per Archdiocese of Dubuque web-site per Rev. Loras C. Otting, Director of the Archives and Historical Records, 1229 Mount Loretta Avenue, Dubuque IA 52003.

In the 1923 edition of the Official Catholic Directory, it states in the necrology that M. J. Quirk of the Sioux City Diocese who was absent on leave died August 05, 1922.

Editor's Note:  5 August 1922 as cited by the Catholic Directory Necrology conflicted with earlier Archdiocese of Dubuque archival information.  Fr. Otting notes in follow-up communication:

I called the caretaker of Mt. Olivet, and he read the grave marker; it stated Fr. M. J. Quirk died August 15, 1922.  Therefore, the Official

Catholic Directory Necrology is wrong. Glad you caught that.

 10.  Address for Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Mount Olivet Cemetery

Key West, Taylor Township, Dubuque County, Iowa

10378 Military Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52003

                 3    F    ii.Ellen Quirk "Nellie"1,2,20,21 was born2,5,6,7,8,20,21 1839 in Mississippi. She died2,22 19 Feb 1923 and was buried2,22,23 22 Feb 1923 in Calvary Cemetery, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Nellie was accounted for6 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for5 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for8 16 Jun 1880 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for20 5 Jun 1900 in Ward 3, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. She was accounted for21 11 Jan 1920 in Anamosa, Fairview Township, Jones County, Iowa.

Notes -

1.  Federal Census records for Ellen Quirk's birth date and birth place are as follows.

 a. US Census, 1850 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 9, Mississippi [1841].

b. US Census, 1860 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 17, Mississippi [1843].

c. US Census, 1870 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 24, Mississippi [1846].

d. US Census, 1880 - South fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. Age 34, Mississippi [1846].

Ellen and her brother were both born in Mississippi; followed by John and Robert born in Louisiana - all before arriving in Iowa in 1848. Based on the assumption that it is unlikely that the family moved from Mississippi to Louisiana and produced three children in a little over two years the original date for Ellen's birth is probably accurate.

2.  Ref. whereabouts of Ellen Quirk after 1900.

 a.  US Census, 1900 - Ward 3, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa lists a Nellie Quirk, b. Dec 1862 Mississippi, Father - Ireland, Mother - Canada (Irish).

b.  US Census, 1920 - Anamosa, Jones County, Iowa lists a Nellie Quirk, 55, b. Mississippi, Father - Ireland, Mother - Canada.

Editor's note:  Despite references to age in later census information.  It is highly likely that the Nellie Quirk cited above is, indeed, daughter of Edward and Johanna Quirk.  She would have been 59 in 1900 and 79 in 1920.

3.  Ref. death date and burial place of Ellen Quirk:

a.  Rev. Loras C. Otting, Archivist Archdiocese of Dubuque notes in his e-mail 22 Apr 2004 to Richard C. Casey that 'Paul Neiers recorded all the tombstones in the Cascade cemetery, and sent me a printout.'

'In St. Martin Cemetery, now Calvary, are three Quirks, namely, Edward born 1791, died Feb. 26, 1889, age 98; Johanna, born 1820, died June 04, 1892, age 72; Ellon (sic) Nellie, born 1839, died Feb. 21, 1923, age 84.'

b.  Ellen Quirk's obituary, however, in the Cascade Pioneer, d. 1 Mar 1923, p. 1, cites a death date of 19 Feb 1923.  Based on the obituary is is likely that 19 Feb 1923 is correct.

4.  Obituary for Ellen Quirk, Cascade Pioneer, 1 Mar 1923, p. 1.

BURIAL OF MISS NELLIE QUIRK

The remains of Miss Nellie Quirk were brought here from Waterloo on Wednesday [21 Feb 1923] of last week, and on Thursday [22 Feb 1923] forenoon at 11 o'clock burial took place from St. Martin's church, Rev. L. Roche officiating.

Miss Quirk was about 80 years old and most of her lifetime was spent in Iowa.  She was taken suddenly ill on Saturday, Feb. 17th and died of pneumonia on the 19th [Monday, 19 Feb 1923].  She was a sister of the late Robert Quirk and the late Rev. Father Quirk and is survived by her brother John Quirk of Mitchell, S. D., and a sister, Mrs. A. Casey, of Mason City.

Those who attended the funeral here were John Quirk, of Mitchell, S. D., Mr. and Mrs. A.[ugustus] Casey and Miss [Mae] Dillon, of Mason City, Iowa, Mrs. Robert Quirk and William Quirk, of Dubuque, and Misses Etta and Marcella Quirk of Davenport.

The pall bearers were C. J., T. J. and A. V. Devlin, Matt Bisenius, Dr. Dan Barrett, D. D. Moore, T. J. Conlin and W. J. Drummond.

                 4    M       iii.   John Quirk1 was born5,6,7,8,24 1847 in Louisiana. He died24 1935 and was buried24 1935 in St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

John was accounted for6 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for5 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for8 16 Jun 1880 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was accounted for25 30 Apr 1910 in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota. He was25 a real estate agent 30 Apr 1910 in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota. He was accounted for²⁶ 12 Jan 1920 in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota. He was accounted for22 19 Feb 1923 in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota.

Notes -

1.  Ref. birth date and place for John Quirk ref. US Census records.

 a.  US Census, 1850 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 5, Louisiana [1845].

b.  US Census, 1860 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 14, Louisiana [1846].

c.  US Census, 1870 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 23, Louisiana [1847].

d.  US Census, 1880 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 31, Iowa [1849].

+              5    M       iv.    Robert Quirk was born Jan 1848 and died 24 Sep 1913.

                6    F          v.   Katherine Quirk "Katie"1 was born5,6,7,8 about 1849 in Iowa.

Katie was accounted for8 24 Nov 1850 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for5 21 Aug 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for7 23 Jul 1870 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa. She was accounted for8 16 Jun 1880 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.

Notes -

1.  Ref. birth date and place per US Census records.

 a. US Census, 1850 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 1 [1849].

b. US Census, 1860 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 10 [1850].

c. US Census, 1870 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 19 [1851].

d. US Census, 1880 - South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.  Age 24 [1856].

2.  Katherine Quirk may be the Catherine I Quirk in the biographical sketch of P. H. Brannon in the History of Chickasaw and Howard Co, Iowa, 1919 page 182.

P. H. BRANNON

P.H. BRANNON, numbered among the enterprising, farsighted and successful business men of New Hampton, is well known as the proprietor of the Brannon Grain Elevator. He was born at Waucoma, Iowa, on the 11th of Oct, 1857, and is a son of Lawrence and Julia ( Griffin) Brannon, both of whom are natives of Ireland. The father came to the U.S. with his parents in 1839 and the family home was established in Ohio, and the mother came to this country to join an older brother after the death of her parents. This brother, Thomas Griffin, is resident of Howard Co, Iowa. In the spring of 1853 Lawrence Brannon removed with his parents to Iowa, the family home being established on a farm near Waucoma. In June 1856, Lawrence Brannon and Julia Griffin were united in marriage and took up their abode upon a farm near Waucoma, where the active years of their lives were spent. After retirement they removed to Lawler, Chickasaw Co. Mr. Brannon passed away at the notable age of ninety-one years, while his wife died at age seventy-five.

Their son, P H BRANNON, was educated in the common schools and in the Decorah Institute. He taught school and educational work for a period of twenty-one terms. In 1892 he removed to New Hampton and has since identified with the live stock and grain business.. In 1889 Mr. Brannon was united in marriage to Miss Catherine I Quirk, of Delaware Co, Iowa, and to them were born two children, but only one is now living. Mary S Brannon. The wife and mother passed away in Jan 1901 and in Feb 1906, Mr. Brannon was married to Miss Hannah T Boyle of Edgerton, Wisconsin, by whom he has four children, namely: Grace Madeline, Lawrence V., Patricia Adelaide and James E. In political views, Mr. Brannon has always been a democrat and while in Lawler he filed the office of Justice of Peace. He has served as a member of town and city council of New Hampton, covering a period of 14 years. He and his family are members of the St Joseph's Catholic Church and he is a fourth degree member of Knights of Columbus.

Source: History of Chickasaw and Howard Co, Iowa, 1919, page 182

+              7    F         vi.    Mary G. Quirk was born about Feb 1853 and died 20 Jan 1935.

                8    F        vii.    Therese Quirk5 was born5 about 1855 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.

Therese was accounted for5 21 Jul 1860 in South Fork Township, Delaware County, Iowa.

+              9    F       viii.   Johanna B. Quirk was born 19 Jun 1859 and died 29 Aug 1917.

Sources: