John T. Walsh
A highly improved farm of one hundred and eighty acres in West Side township is evidence of the energy and ability of John T. Walsh, who is recognized as one of the progressive men of his section. His success has been due to a laudable ambition and an unalterable perseverance which are important elements in his character.
He is a native of Livingston county, Illinois, born June 10, 1869, and is a son of James E. and Honora (Breen) Walsh, both of whom were bom in Ireland. The father came to America in 1850 and was married in Illinois to Miss Honora Breen. Later he came with his family to Crawford county, Iowa, and he and his wife are now living at Vail, the fonner having reached the age of seventy-six, while the latter is seventy-seven years of age. They are the parents of four children.
John T. Walsh received his early education in the common schools and later had the advantage of attending the high school. He continued at home until arriving at maturity and then, having decided to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits, he began farming upon his own account. He has applied himself to such excellent advantage that he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 29 and 32, West Side township, all of which is under admirable cultivation and capable of producing large crops. Everything about the place is in good order and denotes that he has prospered in his calling and is in comfortable circumstances. He raises various grains, but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock for the market.
On May 21, 1907, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Alice Coughlin, who was born in Canada, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Quinn) Coughlin. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in Canada. She is now deceased, but Mr. Coughlin is living at Dunlap, Iowa. There were eleven children in their family, eight of whom survive.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh: Maurice Francis Carroll, who was born October 19, 1909; and James P., who was born April 17, 1910, and died July 6 following.
Mr. Walsh may be designated as a self-made man, as he has attained a gratifying degree of financial prosperity entirely through his own efforts. He is recognized as the possessor of clear judgment and sound business ability, and as he is genial and public-spirited, he enjoys the unqualified respect and esteem of those who know him. Politically he is not identified with any of the great organizations, but votes independently, preferring to be controlled by the conditions that prevail at the time of the election. Fraternally he is a valued member of Lodge No. 780, K. C., of Carroll, and has taken a great interest in the order, having filled all the chairs in the lodge. In religious belief he and his wife are Catholics.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.