Flynn and Related Families

Thomas McCarnan [McKernan] is listed in the 1850 census for New Diggings, Lafayette, WI as the son of Patrick and Ann, his age is shown as 1/12; he would have been born in about September, 1850. The 1870 census also lists a Thomas H McKernan, son of Patrick and Ann, age 11; he would have been born in about 1859. It's unlikely that these are the same individual - perhaps the son born in 1850 died and the second one born in 1859 was given the same name.

OBITUARY published in the Fort Dodge Messenger, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Tuesday, December 24, 1907 We regret to have to announce the death of Thomas, a brother of Luke McKernan of our city. Mr. McKernan was like Luke, of a jovial disposition, hale and hearty in the prime of life - 48 years. But he contracted the strong man's enemy, pneumonia, which involved both lungs and made recovery impossible. He lingered just five days and succumbed. The family in Clare were notified by wire and Luke left for Cresco, his home. Mr. McKernan owned a quarter section of land near Cresco. He is survived by a wife and five children, the youngest being nine years, the oldest 23 years. Mr. McKernan was born in Kendaltown, Wisconsin, the son of Patrick McKernan and was one of a family of twelve children - six boys and six girls. Three sisters and two brothers, one of whom is Luke, now survive him. Twelve years ago he came to Creston (sic) and bought the farm that by honest, faithful labor he built up into the fine home he leaves to his surviving family. The remains were taken back to Wisconsin where he was buried beside two of his children who died some years ago. He carried insurance in the Woodmen of the World and the United Workmen, both of which brotherhoods sent representatives to accompany the remains to their last resting place and console the bereaved family. He was a faithful member of the Catholic church in life and death and died fortified with all its solemn rites. Eternal rest to his soul.

OBITUARY published in the Cresco Times-Plain Dealer on December 13, 1907: Thomas Henry McKernan passed away early in the morning of Wednesday, the 11th, at his home in Paris township, after an illness of but a few days from an attack of pneumonia which terminated in heart failure. The deceased was born at New Diggings, Wis., Feb. 10, 1861, and consequently was 46 years and 9 months of age at the time of his death. On May 30, 1881, at Seymour Prairie, Wis., he was united in marriage to Harriett McGuigan. In 1887 the family moved to Nebraska where they remained until 1895 when they came to Howard County which has since been their home. He was the father of seven children, five of whom, Nellie, Luke, Maude, Rose, and Eldora, survive to mourn with their mother, the loss of a kind and affectionate father and husband. The remains were taken on Thursday evening to the former Wisconsin home for interment if the family lot where rests his parents and deceased children, The funeral will be held on Saturday from St. Joseph's church at Kendaltown in Lafayette Co. The deceased was a valued and highly respected member of two of our societies, the A.O.U.W. and W.O.W., and as the result of his wise and kindly forethought, his family will be placed far beyond the reach of want or privation. The remains were escorted to Cresco by representatives of these Orders and before departure of the evening train, in compliance with the request of the deceased, the A.O.U.W. and W.O.W. joined in a brief ritualistic funeral service. W.C. Lenth and John Finegan, representing the two. Orders accompanied the remains and the wife and eldest daughter to the place of burial.

Marriage cermony conducted by Fr. Guissipi. Witnesses were DanMcWilliams and Maggie Sheridan