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John William Horan

The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Clermont-township. He has lived here all his life and for a number of years has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the community: His well-directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact and a biographical history of Fayette county would not be complete without a record of his career.

John W. Horan was born on the farm in Clermont township where he now lives, his natal day having been November I7, 1867. He is the son of Marcus and Eliza (Perarnan) Horan, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United States, establishing their first home at Dubuque, Iowa, where they remained seven years. They then came to Clermont township, Fayette county, and settled on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. The farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres and to its cultivation the father devoted the remainder of his years, his death occurring there in 1900. His widow survived him four years, dying in 1904. They had six children, four of whom are living. Politically, Marcus Horan was a Democrat, while his religious membership was with the Catholic church, to which he rendered a stanch allegiance.

John W. Horan was reared on the paternal farmstead, receiving his education in the common schools, and as soon as old enough he took a hand in the work of the home farm. After his father's death, he assumed the active management of the place, the acreage of which he has increased to two hundred and forty acres. The farm is highly improved, including an attractive and comfortable residence, large and commodious barn and other necessary outbuildings, the entire place bearing an air of prosperity and enterprise. All the crops common to this section of the country are raised and considerable attention is also given to the breeding and raising of livestock, with satisfactory success.

On January 2, 1900 Mr. Horan was happily wedded to Mellie Shea, whose death occurred on October 28th of the same year. For his second wife, whom he married in 1902, Mr. Horan chose Kate Shea, a sister of his first wife and the daughter of John and Margaret Shea. The father was a native of Iowa and his wife was born in Ohio. John Shea was an early and well known settler of Fayette county, and in this county he and his wife both died. To Mr. and Mrs. Horan have been born four children, namely: Marcus Richard, Francis William, Irene Elizabeth and Mary Arlene.

In matters political Mr. Horan stands aligned with the Democratic party in the success of which he takes a deep interest. He and the members of his family belong to the Catholic church, to which they render an earnest and generous support. Mr. Horan is widely known as a man of ability, integrity and generosity and because of his upright life he enjoys the respect of all who know him. He takes a broad-gauged view of life and his influence is always thrown on the side of every movement which promises to benefit the community."

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Evie Lamb