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Des Moines County >> 1915 Index History of
Des Moines County, Iowa... M Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton. William
McMonigle is a retired blacksmith living on Agency Road, where he owns a
valuable tract of land o thirteen acres devoted to the raising of fruit and
vegetables. As the years have gone on he has won a creditable measure of
success, due entirely to his persistency of purpose, his well directed thrift
and industry. He was born in Ireland in 1853, a son of James and Mary (Joyce)
McMonigle, both of whom were natives of the Emerald isle but have now passed
away. The father was a shoemaker by trade and in 1885 became a resident of
Burlington, Iowa, where his last days were spent. His remains were interred in
Aspen Grove cemetery, while his wife was buried in the old country, having died
before he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. They had a family of nine
children, those coming to America being: William; James, now living in Havelock,
Nebraska; Robert, whose home is in West Burlington; and Mary, the wife of John
Drum, also of West Burlington. William
McMonigle attended school in his native country during his early youth and
afterward went to Scotland, where he remained for fifteen years, being engaged
in mining in that country. In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world,
making his way direct to Burlington, and for a quarter of a century he was
employed in the shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.
He has lived at the same place during the grater part of the long period of his
residence in Iowa. While he worked in the his sons conducted a fine truck farm,
and thus the combined efforts of the family won for them a substantial measure
of prosperity. Mr. McMonigle first purchased a cottage, but has added to it and
made improvements until he has a very comfortable, commodious and attractive
home and is now most pleasantly situated in life. In 1881
Mr. McMonigle was married in Ireland to Miss Jennie Dunn, who was born in that
country in 1854, a daughter of William and Jennie (Joyce) Dunn, who were natives
of the Emerald isle and have now passed away. Their daughter, Miss Sarah Dunn,
is now residing in Burlington, and three other sisters of Mrs. McMonigle remain
in Ireland. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McMonigle was celebrated on Tuesday and
on Friday they sailed for the new world. They have become the parents of seven
children, all of whom were born in Burlington. William James, who was born
February 20, 1882, married Miss Charlotte Copp in February, 1914. She is a
graduate of the Burlington high school and of the Normal Training School, and
was a most capable teacher in the public schools of Burlington prior to her
marriage. They reside in a nice little home just west of his father's place, and
William J. acts as manager of his father's truck farm. He is regarded as a most
industrious, energetic and thoroughly reliable young business man and has the
respect of all who know him. To him and his wife has been born a son, William,
whose natal day was December 3, 1914. The second of the family is Robert John
McMonigle, who was born June 23, 1883. In the railroad shops of Burlington he
learned the tinner's trade and is now recognized as a most capable and skilled
employe there. Samuel D., born May 10, 1886, follows farming in Des Moines
county. Sarah Jane, who was formerly employed by the telephone company, is now
at home with her parents. Anna May is employed in one of the mercantile
establishments in Burlington. Thomas J., born November 4, 1894, is a machinist
who learned his trade at the Murray Iron Works, where he is now employed. Martha
Elizabeth is employed in the same store as her sister in Burlington. Mr.
McMonigle and his family are devoted members of the Episcopal church, although
Mrs. McMonigle belongs to the Presbyterian church. Fraternally he is connected
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he gives his political allegiance
to the republican party where national questions are involved, but at local
elections casts an independent ballot, supporting men and measures rather than
party. He belongs to that class of men whom we term self-made and he deserves
much credit for what he has accomplished. He has been blessed with good health,
and his life has been one of industry and enterprise. He is today the owner of
thirteen acres of very rich and productive land on the Agency Road, which is
devoted to the production of vegetables and fruit, and the place returns to him
a most gratifying annual income. In all of his business dealings he has been
thoroughly reliable and has gained that good name which is rather to be chosen
than great riches. He and his wife have reared a family who are a credit and
honor to them, and wherever they are known the members of the household are held
in high esteem. Mr. McMonigle has gained many friends during his residence in
Burlington and he has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to
the new world.
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