Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....McQuillin, John 1903 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net July 15, 2011, 1:57 pm Lyons Herald, 10 Sep 1903 John McQuillin died Monday morning after an illness of several months. His funeral was held Wednesday from the Church of SS Peter and Paul at Ionia, being conducted by Rev. Fr. Fierle. The funeral party left the house early in the morning, many carriages being in line. The pallbearers were J.R. Dougherty, A.K. Roof, H. Searing, J.F. Baker, F.T. Gleason and E.N. Thayer. Interment in the Catholic cemetery at Ionia. Flowers were in great abundance, coming from relatives, friends and societies with which deceased and his wife affiliated. Elsewhere we publish an obituary of deceased, written by one whose friendship extended over a period of many years. We do not wish to enlarge upon this well- deserved tribute, but desire to speak of Mr. McQuillin as a citizen. It was our good fortune to serve with Mr. McQuillin as a trustee of the village and we know that his official duties were faithfully performed with an eye single to the interests of the people whom he served. He was public spirited and believed in improvements and ever gave his voice and vote to carry them forward. The best test of the regard in which deceased was held was the large vote he received when running for supervisor, being elected several times by overwhelming majorities and when defeated running 100 and over ahead of his ticket. Deceased, as a citizen, has left his impress on the community and his wise counsel will be greatly missed. Such a life is never lived in vain and its influence is a power for good. ---- The Tribute Of A Friend. The subject of this sketch, John McQuillin, son of Francis and Catherine (Canlon) McQuillin, whose life went out on the morning of September 7th, was born in Ireland November 16, 1844, and came to this country with his parents in June, 1845. They came directly to Ionia county and settled on the farm now owned by a brother of John (Thomas McQuillin). Deceased was reared on the homestead and received his fundamental education in the Lyons schools. After completing the course of study here he spent two years in an institution of learning at Ypsilanti and one year at the State University at Ann Arbor. When eighteen years of age he commenced teaching and during the ensuing twelve winters he gave his time and best effort in instilling in the minds of his pupils not only the branches of the common schools, but teaching also by example and precept all that went to make up true manhood and womanhood. During all this time his summers were spent in hard labor on the farm until he was 26 years old. For two years he was principal of the High School in Lyons. In 1873 he entered the First National Bank of Muir, in which he remained three years. An equal length of time was then occupied in discharging the duties of cashier in the bank of Wm. H. Freeman at Lyons. This was followed by an experience of six months as bookkeeper in the bank of Webber & Chapin at Stanton. After this apprenticeship in the banking business Mr. McQuillin, with other citizens of Lyons, bought the business of Wm. H. Freeman, and in 1879 established the banking firm of John R. Dougherty & Co., of which he was elected cashier, and which position he held with honor and integrity for more than twenty years, making friends with all who did business with him. The intelligence, integrity and ability of Mr. McQuillin being fully appreciated by his friends, he was many times called to serve them in an official capacity. He was township clerk 12 years, township treasurer one year, president and trustee of the village of Lyons several years. He also served several terms as supervisor of his township, and was always an able, efficient and valued member on the board of supervisors. As a citizen he was second to none; his example was always perfect. He was foremost in forwarding any enterprise that promised a substantial benefit to his village. He always took a great interest in the village schools and all educational enterprises. He was a true friend, one you could tie to and rely on. He has erected for himself a monument in the hearts of his neighbors and friends more enduring than marble or granite and that will stand while memory lasts. Deceased was married to Miss Myra Pierce in 1873, who with three sons, John, Lawrence and Ralph, and one daughter, Florence, now Mrs. Currie, of Ionia, survive him. His life went out like the beautiful setting of the sun. it would seem almost as if this might have been his request. “Life we’ve been long together In sunshine and in stormy weather. ‘Tis hard to part when friends are near, Perhaps ‘twill cause a sigh, a tear. Then steal away, give little warning, Say not good night. But in some brighter clime Bid me good morning.” Old friend, good bye. May we meet where “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” – John R. Dougherty. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/m/mcquilli14834nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 5.4 Kb