The Oshkosh Northwestern, Monday 14 May 1883, page four:
Peter McCourt is dead. He passed away at 9:55 this morning surrounded by most of his family. His death, though not unexpected, and although he had nearly reached three score years and five, was untimely considering the vigorous constitution he had preserved to himself and the still youthful step which marked his movements up to the time he was attacked with the fatal disease, typhoid fever. For he died not of bodily infirmities, the result of old age, or with a constitution broken down by toil or organic ailments. He was taken off by that poisonous disease which attacks the strongest in their strength as well as the weakest in their infirmities. Although nearly sixty-five years of age, he walked with a step as elastic as any of his children, and pursued his rounds of daily life with the agility of a man of thirty. It was a matter of remark that in the family circle and among his children he appeared the youngest of them, all in the sports and pastimes and in the vigor of his every movement. He was a remarkably well preserved old gentleman, almost a a prodigy in tenacity of health and constitution. Just two weeks previous to his death he was taken with a fever, but which one of the physicians today stated was a mild type of the typhoid. The disease took deeper root and developed into the most malignant type of typhoid fever. Delirium that accompanies this disease was very violent, and during his delirious moments his mind still clung to his business and he talked of it incessantly in his ravings. His condition began to be alarming about last Thursday, when his daughters were telegraphed as to the fears of the physicians. Mrs. Tabor accompanied by Senator Table, and her brother, Peter McCourt, left Denver on Friday night, and being fortunate in making close connections reached here this morning on the 3:40 train, in time to reach his bedside several hours before his death. Mr. McCourt was able to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Tabor and those about him for a few moments before he passed away, which was a very comforting circumstance to the family.
Mrs. W. H.(Margaret) Courtney, of New York, was the only member of the family not present at the death bed. She is expected here to attend the funeral.
Peter McCourt was born in the county of Armagh, Ireland, in June 1818. His parents emigrated to this country when Peter was only two years of age and settled in Canada. While yet a youth Peter went to Utica, New York, where he began life as a clerk in a clothing store. It was at Utica where, in 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth Nellis, the wife who still survives him. Mr. McCourt then moved to Buffalo where he remained two or three years, starting for the great west and finally locating in Milwaukee in 1847. He remained in Milwaukee but two years, and in 1849 came to the then small village of Oshkosh. Being one of the early settlers and a man of vigor, enterprise and industry, he commenced business under most favorable auspices and in a few years had accumulated quite a comfortable fortune. He went into the clothing business with Marks Bros. of Chicago as his partners to back him. He built the building known as Marks' hall, which for years was the only public hall in the city. At one time Mr. McCourt owned the entire block of land now bounded by Church, Main, Polk and Division streets, and in an early day built the large family homestead on part of the property, fronting on Division street. The old house was a mansional sort of a structure, with immense pillars along the front portico. It was burned in the big fire of July 14th, 1874. Mr. McCourt was in partnership with the Marks Bros. but a short time, when he went into business for himself and was for many years one of the most prosperous and wealthy merchants of this city, rearing about him his family in elegance and luxury. But he became the victim of fire. Six times he was burned out, suffering heavily each time, notably so in the great fire of 1859, until most of his property was thus wrested from him. Of late years he had pursued his old trade of merchant tailoring, always contented with his surroundings and never complaining of past reverses.
Personally, Mr. McCourt was one of the finest of men. Courtesy was one of the attributes of his nature. Always cheerful and contended, happy in the unchanging routine of a busy life, domestic in his tastes and simple in his habits, he was a man for whom no one had an enmity, and all men respected. His pleasures were found in the family circle, and his children were the source of much gratification to his few leisure hours. His remarkable industry always kept him busy in business hours, and he was a man who had few stopping places outside of his fireside and his store. He was obliging in the extreme, and considerate for all men's opinions and feelings. In death he leaves a community in which naught but good things are said in his memory, and the anxious inquiries during his last hours and the expressions of sorrow at his death are all evidences of the profound esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.
He was the father of fourteen children, of whom eleven are still living. Two died in infancy and James A. died last September from the result of an accident. The children living are as follows, in the order of their age. Mrs. Andrew (Matilda) Haben, Mrs. W. H.(Margaret) Courtney of New York, Mrs. J. B.(Cornelia) Last of Chicago, Mrs. Senator (Eliabeth) Tabor of Denver, Peter McCourt, Jr., Miss Claudia, Phillip, Martin, Stephen, Willard and Marks, the latter aged 10 years. Miss Claudia has of late been attending school in Chicago, and arrived home in response to a telegram on Saturday evening.
The cause of McCourt's sickness and final death is attributed by physicians to bad water and imperfect drainage which they think must surround the premises. Mrs. McCourt is now sick with the same disease and although her condition is not considered critical, there is much anxiety felt in regard to her case. The effect upon her of Mr. McCourt's death is doubtful under the circumstances. Martin is also suffering slightly from the same disease.
The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announced, but it is probable that the funeral will take place from St. Mary's Catholic church, as deceased had attended that church recently and its pastor administered to him the sacred rites of the church prior to his death.
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THE MCCOURT FUNERAL
The time for the funeral of the late Peter McCourt has been fixed for Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, from St. Mary's church. On account of the illness of Mrs. McCourt and Martin, it would be impossible to permit those who wish to view the remains to do so at the house, and consequently the remains were removed this afternoon to St. Mary's church, where they will lie in state through tomorrow and until the hour of the funeral on Thursday morning, during which time all friends and those desiring to view the remains will have ample opportunity to do so.

THE CASKET AND ROBE
Wm Spikes, the undertaker, yesterday sent to Milwaukee for the finest and most expensive burial casket that could be obtained there, and it arrived here this morning. The inside of the case is of polished cedar. The outside is made of wrought iron, and the top is solid plate glass from head to foot, excepting the bar across the center. The cap that closes over the top is of cast iron. The outside is finished in imitation of rosewood. The handles are massive and full silver plated. The casket is lined with rich satin. The casket cost $300.
The burial robe which cost $35, is of satin, embroidered with needle work. Silk cords with tasseled ends tie about the waist, and pleated silk bows extend down the front from the breast to the feet.
Orders have been placed for an elaborate floral display, which will be provided in time for the funeral.

ARROVAL OF RELATIVES
M.J. McCourt of Oconto, formerly of this city, brother of the deceased, accompanied by his wife and their daughter, Mrs. McDonald, arrived here last evening. Peter and Thomas McCourt of Medford, nephews of the deceased, will arrive this evening over the Central road. Ann McCourt, sister of the deceased is expected this evening. Mr. and Mrs. Courtney of New York, will arrive on Thursday morning, and it is for their arrival that the funeral was put off until Thursday.

SENATOR TABOR COMPELLED TO LEAVE
Senator Tabor received dispatches from Colorado today which necessitates his immediate return to Denver, and he will leave this evening. He will return next month after Mrs. Tabor, when he will spend several days here.
(SOURCE: Oshkosh Daily Northwestern – Tues, 15 May 1883)

Contributor: JRF (46493875)