Thomas Cavanaugh

Thomas Cavanaugh, prominently connected with financial interests of Harper's Ferry as cashier of the Bank of Harper's Ferry, was born in Waterloo township, this county, May 24, 1879, a son of Michael and Mary (Danaher) Cavanaugh, natives of Ireland. The father emigrated to America in 1840 and lived for a time at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and afterward at Galena, Illinois. He was one of the pioneers in Allamakee county, coming to this part of Iowa in 1853 and buying one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Waterloo township. Upon this he made substantial improvements, and continued to make his home thereon until his death in 1888. He was married in Wexford, this county, to Miss Mary Danaher, who as a child came from Ireland with her parents and settled in that locality, where she grew to womanhood. She survives her husband and lives upon the old homestead which has been increased by purchase to two hundred and eighty acres. She is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, to which her husband also adhered, he having been one of the organizers of the church at Dorchester. To them were born five children: Anna, the wife of William Ward, of Hanover township; Morgan, who resides on the home farm; Margaret, the wife of Henry McCullough, of Union Prairie township; Nellie, at home; and Thomas, of this review.

Thomas Cavanaugh acquired his education in the district schools of Waterloo township, in Valder College, Decorah, and in the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. After laying aside his books he turned his attention to teaching, remaining active at this occupation for seven years thereafter. In 1909 he aided in organizing the Bank of Harper's Ferry and was elected its cashier, a position which he has since held. This concern is capitalized at fifty thousand dollars and W.F. Daubenberger, of McGregor, is its president; J.F. Daubenberger acting as vice president. It does a general banking business and having been founded upon safe and conservative lines, has had a steady and rapid growth, Mr. Cavanaugh's energy and financial ability being accounted among the most helpful factors in its development.

At Harper's Ferry Mr. Cavanaugh was united in marriage to Miss B.M. Guthnick, a daughter of Herbert Guthnick, of that place. They have two children, Mary and Angelo. Mr. Cavanaugh is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in politics. He has, however, never been eager for office, preferring to do his public service in other ways. He is interested in the welfare of Harper's Ferry and as the years have gone by has won for himself a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man.

-transcribed by Cathy Joynt-Labath

Return to Bio index