Hugh J. Gallagher, who in his day was one of the leading Democrats of Southwestern Wisconsin, died at his home in this city on Saturday, January 14th, 1922, after a lingering illness of more than ten years duration. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Oct. 18, 1849. He came to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, a baby in his mother's arms in 1850. The family settled on a farm in Gratiot, where he grew up and attended school in the little log school house until he was sixteen years old when he came to school in Darlington.
When he grew up to manhood he entered the employ of James Judge, the banker, and in October 1880, became a member of the banking house of Judge, King & Co., who later organized the Citizens National Bank of which he was cashier for more than eleven years.
He was a member of the city council in 1880 and 1881, Supervisor in 1882 and 1883, was elected Mayor in 1885 and served four terms.
October 3rd, 1899, he married Sarah Conley of this city, who survives him. In 1906 he helped organize Council 1080, Knights of Columbus and was its first Grand Knight. He was a charter member of Branch 44, Catholic Knights of Wisconsin.
Before his illness he was a prominent figure in state politics, a delegate to the convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for president, candidate for Secretary of State against RAndall and for Congress against LaFollettte and while defeated is said to have polled the larges vote ever given to a Democrat in this county.
Mr. Gallagher was a man of commanding presence, being six feet four inches in height, as straight as an arrow, a faultless dresser, dignified and courteous a man who commanded attention anywhere.
He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. T.F. Birmingham and Cassie Gallagher of O'Neil, Nebraska. He retained his interest in public affairs to the day of his death.
The funeral from Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Tuesday the 17th, was impressive. His nephew, Father Collins of Fond Du Lac, celebrated the Requiem High Mass.

Darlington Democrat 26 Feb 1922

Hon. Hugh J. Gallagher died at his home in Darlington on Saturday. He was well known throughout the state as a man of ability and high character. The funeral took place on Tuesday. An obituary will be published in The Democrat next week.
Iowa County Democrat 19 Jan 1922