Untitled From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 905-906

PHIL. McGOVERN, a retired farmer, is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Grant county, a gentleman of benevolent actions, genial in disposition, and numbering friends by legions. The birth of this good man occurred in the North of Ireland, in March, 1823, and he was the son of Thomas and Bridget McGOVERN, who died in Ireland some years before our subject crossed the ocean. Prior to his making the journey two of his brothers, James and Patrick, had emigrated, the former purchasing land near Milwaukee, where he resided until his death, in 1894. Patrick was among the brave pioneers who braved untold dangers in the gold fields of California, was successful, married in that State, and died there some years ago.

Phil. McGOVERN was educated in his native country, and hearing such glowing accounts of the opportunities offered by the New World, he came to New York in 1840, thence traveled to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, and later located at Lancaster, that State, where a cousin, Edward McGOVERN, was living. The next removal was via Buffalo to Platteville, Wis., where he engaged in mining for eight years. In 1851, fired with stories of the discovery of gold in California, Phil. McGOVERN crossed the Plains to that State, and worked very successfully for four years. He then returned to Platteville, purchased prairie land east of town, and improved a large farm which he still owns. In 1895, Mr. McGOVERN retired from active farming, and purchasing a fine building site, erected his pleasant home, which is supplied with all modern improvements, and finished throughout with hard wood.

In July, 1857, Mr. McGOVERN was married to Miss Margaret McGOVERN, born in Ireland in 1837, a daughter of John and Margaret (MORROW) McGOVERN. John McGOVERN came from Ireland in 1847, settling on a farm in Grant county, where he died. To himself and wife were born five children, whom he brought to America with him, their mother having died prior to leaving Ireland. Of this family the wife of our subject and two brothers alone survive: John McGOVERN, Jr., of La Crosse, Wis., and Thomas, of California. Those now deceased are: Katie was the wife of a Mr. McMARAN, of Dubuque, Iowa; Ellen was the wife of Thomas MONT CLAIR, of St. Paul. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McGOVERN of whom three died in infancy: (1) Henry, born in Grant county, in 1859, is a resident of Whittemore, Iowa, where he is engaged in conducting a nursery. (2) Thomas F., born in Grant county, attended the State Normal for several years, and assisted his father on his farm in Iowa, and now resides in Whittemore, Iowa, engaging in a real estate and loan business, and is also a notary public, is also vice president of the Boyce Land, Loan & Live Stock Co., of Whittemore. He married Miss Kate CULLEN of Iowa, and has three children, Alice, Lloyd and Meda. (3) Philip C., born in February, 1864, was educated in the State Normal and now resides in Omaha, Neb., where he is engaged in the tobacco and cigar trade; he is married, but has no family. Benjamin, born in Grant county, was educated in the State Normal, and resides on the home farm. (5) Maggie, born in Grant county, was well educated in the State Normal, and is now residing at home; she is one of the most cultivated and accomplished young ladies of Platteville and a great comfort to her parents. (6) John, born in Grant county, is now a student in the State Normal.

Mr. and Mrs. McGOVERN and family are all devout members of the Catholic Church, and have always been liberal contributors to it. Not only did Mr. McGOVERN subscribe very generously to the erection of the old church but also towards the new one, built a few years ago. Politically, Mr. McGOVERN has always identified himself with the Democratic party, and loyally supports its candidates. Few men deserve success more than Mr. McGOVERN, and his prosperity is but the just reward of his years of effort. Never has he turned a deaf ear to the needy, but gives liberally not only of his means, but also of his time and sympathy. The family Mr. and Mrs. McGOVERN have reared, is one that does credit to their care and good example, and each members of it is entitled to high esteem.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck