The community was shocked yesterday morning by news of the sudden death of Michael O'Toole, one of the pioneer farmers of Jackson Township. In these days of universal sorrow and death throughout the world among the younger people almost exclusively the news of this death far from the scene of conflict and pestilence was wholly unexpected. The demise of Mr. O'Toole was due to heart failure. He is survived by four children, Thomas and Margaret at home, Mrs. C. M. Chesire of Anamosa, and Michael F. of Cedar Rapids. The funeral will take place from the family home tomorrow at 10 a.m. and burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery where prayers will be offfered by Father Powers. The pall bearers will be P. Hayes, M. Gorman, David Doyle, Andrew English, Frank P. McNamara and Frank Blayney.

Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Anamosa Journal, Anamosa, Iowa, 24 Oct 1918, p. 5, col. 4.

Owing to Quarantine Restrictions Only Brief Services Held at Grave

The funeral of Michael O'Toole, whose sudden and unexpected demise was reported in these columns last week, was held last Friday morning. Owing to the quarantine restrictions which have been general, only brief services were held at the grave. Rev. Father Powers of St. Patrick's Catholic church, had charge, and burial was at Holy Cross cemetery. Mr. O'Toole was born in Ireland in November, 1848. At the time of his death he was nearly 74 years of age. He had long been a resident of this locality, and was known to many as a man of keen wit and congenial dispositon. He was honest and industrious, and his smile and his cheery word were always welcome, even at the busiest desks, where a brief chat with him meant relaxation as good as a tonic.
Quarantine to be lifted Saturday morning. At a meeting held last night on account of the epidemic of influenze being checked and practically no new cases reported, it was decided to lift the quarantine on Saturday morning. Churches will open Sunday and School will open Monday as usual.

Submitted by: Mary Kay Kuhfittig
Source: Anamosa Eureka, Anamosa, Iowa, 31 Oct 1918, p. 1, col. 6.