Robert Fitzgerald

Robert Fitzgerald Dead Former McLean County Resident Passes Away in Pontiac Hospital Pontiac, Ill, Sept 9 -- Robert Fitzgerald, a well-known resident of this city and one of the pioneer farmers of the county, died at St. James hospital in this city at 3:19 this morning, death being due to gangrene. Mr. Fitzgerald was born in Leeds, McGann County, Canada, February 14, 1839, his parents having moved to that place from Tipperary, Ireland, where they were both born. Mr. Fitzgerald was a member of a large family and when he reached the age of 17 he, in company with his brother, came to the United States. They settled first in New Hampshire. Hearing of the opportunities in the west, Mr. Fitzgerald came to Illinois about 1860, coming direct to McLean County, where he purchased land and where he made his home until his removal to this city a number of years ago. He was entered in marriage at Lexington, Ill. April 20, 1865 to Mss Margaret Fenton, to which union there were born eleven children, one dying in infancy. Those who survive him, besides his widow, are Miss Mary Fitzgerald of Garrison, ND, Mrs. Frank Weber of Normal; Miss Margaret at home; Thomas, residing at Garrison ND; Johanna at home; William B at Garrison ND, Robert I., residing on the home place Eppards Point township; Joseph B, at home; Francis X at Garrison ND and Bartholomew at Garrison ND. Besides these he leaves a brother, Matthew, of Cooksville and a sister, Mrs. James Stokes of Chicago. Mr. Fitzgerald was taken ill at the family home, 216 East Indiana avenue about four weeks ago with ptomaine poisoning with later developed into gangrene of the left limb. His condition grew more serious and on Thursday an operation was decided upon and he was removed to St. James hospital where an operation was performed yesterday afternoon.