Michael H. Dolan

Michael H. Dolan, son of John and Belle (Hook) Dolan was born at Lockport, New York, March 29, 1857, and died at Roberts, Illinois, January 27, 1930, aged 72 years 9 month and 29 days. While he has not been in vigorous health for some time he has not been very ill. Monday he went out to the railway wreck with Wm. Nisbet. Since the railway track had been his life work it was only natural that he should be interested. Between five and six o'clock they returned to Mr. Nisbet's home where they had supper and visited two or three hours. Mr. Dolan then started to go home then stopped to talk a few moments when he dropped to the floor. Mr. Nisbet called the doctor but nothing could be done to help him. Dr. Rueck and Dr. Colteaux both arrived soon too late to be of any help.  Coroner Hanson was called and he empaneled a jury who after hearing the evidence gave a verdict as shown on death certificate, "Natural causes, probably apoplexy." The jury consisted of J. E. Parkin, chairman, Charles McKinnie, L. G. Kietzman, C. W. Cook, W. W. Campbell and R. B. Chambers. 
When Mr. Dolan was sixteen years of age he began working for the railway company and continued in this work for a short time. He then resigned and went to Nebraska where he remained two years, he then came back to Farmer City and took up railroad work once more. This became his life work. In 1881 he came to Roberts as section foreman for the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield R. R. now Illinois Central. He held this position for forty seven years. He was then given an honored place on the pension list.
In this work he has ranked high and frequently has received prizes and honorable mention for having his section ranked first in the division or sometimes in the system. He was frequently called to act as division supervisor when the regular supervisor would be absent for a few weeks or month.
December 2?, 1888, Mr. Dolan married Miss Sarah Eisaman at Roberts. To them were born three children: Mrs. Ina Harrington who was accidentally killed in 1927, Dr. Leo E. Dolan of Chicago, and Edna who died at the age of eight years.
Besides the widow and son mentioned above he leaves two brothers, Robert and James, and two sisters. Misses Nellie and Phoebe, all of Farmer City, many other relatives and a host of friends who join the family in sorrow.
Mr. Dolan was of a generous nature and always willing to assist those in need. He was a charter member of Roberts Camp Modern Woodmen of America and also a member of Lyman Lodge Knights of Pythias.
The funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Roberts this (Wednesday) afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Rev. C. A. Sullivan and Rev. John T. Killip officiating. The services at the cemetery were in charge of the Knights of Phythias and the Modern Woodsmen.

--Roberts Herald.  29 January 1930.