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Thomas Matthew Fagan

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Thomas Matthew Fagan

Birth
Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, USA
Death
3 Nov 1931 (aged 49)
Lusk, Niobrara County, Wyoming, USA
Burial
Lusk, Niobrara County, Wyoming, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Thomas Matthew Fagan
(March 26, 1882 - November 3, 1931)

Lusk Free Lance
November 5, 1931

Thos. M. Fagan Succumbs

Prominent Local Attorney Passes Away at Family Home After Illness of Many Years; Funeral Services to Be Held Friday.

Notice
Out of respect to the memory of our fellow townsman, Thomas M. Fagan, whose funeral will be held on Friday, November 6, 1931 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the business places of Lusk are respectfully asked to close on that day from two until three o'clock p.m.
John F. Harking
Mayor

The life of Thomas M. Fagan, philanthropist and philosopher, one of the state's most prominent and highly respected citizens and one of the most brilliant lawyers in the West, came to an end at 4:15 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 1931. Mr. Fagan was a sufferer from silicosis, an ailment contracted a number of years ago when he was a worker in the mines of Nevada. His failing had been gradual until just a few weeks ago, when he was forced into confinement at his home, and since which time he steadily grew weaker until death came to relieve his sufferings.

His passing causes a feeling of sadness in the hearts of all his acquaintances, every one of whom cherished the friendship that began with the first meeting. Mr. Fagan's was a life devoted to the good of others, and it was because of the many trials and tribulations, and illness he had endured, that he so willingly became a man's best friend.

His brilliance as a lawyer in this city was never doubted by the best of the profession who matched wits with him, and as such his services were always in demand. His success as an attorney can be judged by the cases he won for his clients, and these were many, all records show.

Funeral services will be held from the family residence on Main Street Friday afternoon, November 6th, at 2 o'clock. Although definite plans are not yet completed, it is believed Rev. Harry H. Koontz, former pastor of the Congregational church of this city, and a long-time friend of Mr. Fagan, will deliver the funeral sermon. The Odd Fellow order will probably have charge of services at the grave. Funeral arrangements are in charge of the Midwest Mortuary.

Mr. Fagan is survived by his widow and five children, two daughters, Margaret and Jane, and three sons, David, Thomas and James Wells. One child, the first born of this union, died in infancy.

Mr. Fagan's life was a varied one - filled with experiences very few are able to claim. He was next to the youngest of a family of thirteen children, and is the second of the group to pass on. He was born of Mr. and Mrs. John Fagan at Montrose, Iowa, March 26, 1882. His father died while Mr. Fagan was but a small child, and when but three years old, he moved with his mother and family to South Dakota. Shortly after that change in residence his mother passed away and he then went to live with his grandmother at Burlington, Ia. When he was 12 years old, his grandmother died and from that time on Mr. Fagan was thrown upon his own resources. Eager to secure an education he moved to DeSmet, S. Dak., and went through school, graduating from the DeSmet high school in 1899.

Following his graduation his interest became centered in ore mining and he entered that work. In the capacity of a miner, he kept up his studies and soon became a graduate mining engineer. He went through all of the important mining booms of Nevada, and while in that state became president of the of the Nevada Miners' Union, which office he served most faithfully.

His experience of the dangers of mining labor prompted him to attend the initial "Safety First" convention of the nation, held at Reno, Nev., and there gave the inspiring address that was largely responsible for the safety measures in force today.

On June 24, 1915, he married Miss Josephine Eleanor Warner, the ceremony climaxing a courtship which began in one of the miners' hospitals at Reno, where Miss Warner was matron.

For a number of years preceding his marriage, Mr. Fagan studied law and in 1916, took the state bar examination and was admitted to practice. This profession proved to be his calling and he soon abandoned active mining endeavors.

In 1918 he moved with his family to this city, opening a law office which he maintained up until his death. Here his interests were many and the upbuilding and growth of the community was a part of his daily life.

He entered politics and became one of the leaders of the Democratic Party, attending the Democratic National Convention at New York City. He was elected state legislator in 1924, serving in the session of 1925. In 1926 he planned a wider field - that of holding a seat in Congress representing this state, but was defeated. This strenuous campaign, combined with the ailment contracted in the mines, tended largely to weaken him and bring about his poor health.

In 1928 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Houston, Tex. Since that time he became less active in politics and devoted his time almost entirely to his profession.

As a civic worker, he carried a constant burden on his shoulder. He served as a member of the Niobrara County Fair Board for a number of years and was president of the board at the time of his death. He was president of the First Harvest Festival held here in 1918. He was a most valuable person in the promotion of public welfare and served upon many occasions in this capacity.

During the World War, Mr. Fagan served on the draft board at Casper, and his speaking knowledge of six different languages made him a valuable asset to the government.

Mr. Fagan was a member of the American Bar Association, the highest ranking organization in the profession of law, the Wyoming Bar Association and also the Niobrara County Bar Association. He was also a member of Custer Lodge No. 21, I.O.O.F. of this city, and was regarded as one of the leading members of the local order.

As to his spiritual attitude, we had no fear of death or what comes after. He lived his life believing in "Live and let live."

For such a man as Mr. Fagan was, there surely must be a reward on the Other Side.

The Free Lance, joining the large host of friends, extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved in this hour of sorrow.
____________________________________________________________________
"This information is from Niobrara County Library, www.niobraracountylibrary.org"
_____________________________
Additional information provided by remembering.
Thomas Matthew Fagan
(March 26, 1882 - November 3, 1931)

Lusk Free Lance
November 5, 1931

Thos. M. Fagan Succumbs

Prominent Local Attorney Passes Away at Family Home After Illness of Many Years; Funeral Services to Be Held Friday.

Notice
Out of respect to the memory of our fellow townsman, Thomas M. Fagan, whose funeral will be held on Friday, November 6, 1931 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the business places of Lusk are respectfully asked to close on that day from two until three o'clock p.m.
John F. Harking
Mayor

The life of Thomas M. Fagan, philanthropist and philosopher, one of the state's most prominent and highly respected citizens and one of the most brilliant lawyers in the West, came to an end at 4:15 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, November 3, 1931. Mr. Fagan was a sufferer from silicosis, an ailment contracted a number of years ago when he was a worker in the mines of Nevada. His failing had been gradual until just a few weeks ago, when he was forced into confinement at his home, and since which time he steadily grew weaker until death came to relieve his sufferings.

His passing causes a feeling of sadness in the hearts of all his acquaintances, every one of whom cherished the friendship that began with the first meeting. Mr. Fagan's was a life devoted to the good of others, and it was because of the many trials and tribulations, and illness he had endured, that he so willingly became a man's best friend.

His brilliance as a lawyer in this city was never doubted by the best of the profession who matched wits with him, and as such his services were always in demand. His success as an attorney can be judged by the cases he won for his clients, and these were many, all records show.

Funeral services will be held from the family residence on Main Street Friday afternoon, November 6th, at 2 o'clock. Although definite plans are not yet completed, it is believed Rev. Harry H. Koontz, former pastor of the Congregational church of this city, and a long-time friend of Mr. Fagan, will deliver the funeral sermon. The Odd Fellow order will probably have charge of services at the grave. Funeral arrangements are in charge of the Midwest Mortuary.

Mr. Fagan is survived by his widow and five children, two daughters, Margaret and Jane, and three sons, David, Thomas and James Wells. One child, the first born of this union, died in infancy.

Mr. Fagan's life was a varied one - filled with experiences very few are able to claim. He was next to the youngest of a family of thirteen children, and is the second of the group to pass on. He was born of Mr. and Mrs. John Fagan at Montrose, Iowa, March 26, 1882. His father died while Mr. Fagan was but a small child, and when but three years old, he moved with his mother and family to South Dakota. Shortly after that change in residence his mother passed away and he then went to live with his grandmother at Burlington, Ia. When he was 12 years old, his grandmother died and from that time on Mr. Fagan was thrown upon his own resources. Eager to secure an education he moved to DeSmet, S. Dak., and went through school, graduating from the DeSmet high school in 1899.

Following his graduation his interest became centered in ore mining and he entered that work. In the capacity of a miner, he kept up his studies and soon became a graduate mining engineer. He went through all of the important mining booms of Nevada, and while in that state became president of the of the Nevada Miners' Union, which office he served most faithfully.

His experience of the dangers of mining labor prompted him to attend the initial "Safety First" convention of the nation, held at Reno, Nev., and there gave the inspiring address that was largely responsible for the safety measures in force today.

On June 24, 1915, he married Miss Josephine Eleanor Warner, the ceremony climaxing a courtship which began in one of the miners' hospitals at Reno, where Miss Warner was matron.

For a number of years preceding his marriage, Mr. Fagan studied law and in 1916, took the state bar examination and was admitted to practice. This profession proved to be his calling and he soon abandoned active mining endeavors.

In 1918 he moved with his family to this city, opening a law office which he maintained up until his death. Here his interests were many and the upbuilding and growth of the community was a part of his daily life.

He entered politics and became one of the leaders of the Democratic Party, attending the Democratic National Convention at New York City. He was elected state legislator in 1924, serving in the session of 1925. In 1926 he planned a wider field - that of holding a seat in Congress representing this state, but was defeated. This strenuous campaign, combined with the ailment contracted in the mines, tended largely to weaken him and bring about his poor health.

In 1928 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Houston, Tex. Since that time he became less active in politics and devoted his time almost entirely to his profession.

As a civic worker, he carried a constant burden on his shoulder. He served as a member of the Niobrara County Fair Board for a number of years and was president of the board at the time of his death. He was president of the First Harvest Festival held here in 1918. He was a most valuable person in the promotion of public welfare and served upon many occasions in this capacity.

During the World War, Mr. Fagan served on the draft board at Casper, and his speaking knowledge of six different languages made him a valuable asset to the government.

Mr. Fagan was a member of the American Bar Association, the highest ranking organization in the profession of law, the Wyoming Bar Association and also the Niobrara County Bar Association. He was also a member of Custer Lodge No. 21, I.O.O.F. of this city, and was regarded as one of the leading members of the local order.

As to his spiritual attitude, we had no fear of death or what comes after. He lived his life believing in "Live and let live."

For such a man as Mr. Fagan was, there surely must be a reward on the Other Side.

The Free Lance, joining the large host of friends, extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved in this hour of sorrow.
____________________________________________________________________
"This information is from Niobrara County Library, www.niobraracountylibrary.org"
_____________________________
Additional information provided by remembering.


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