A Dedicated Daughter 1877 -1926

Johanna was the sixth of seven children born to John and Hanora Horgan. She was named after John's mother, Johannah Fitzgerald. The couple's first born Johanna, had died at age seven so the name was used again. Growing up on the Linwood farm Johanna had three older brothers as well as two sisters, one older and one younger, to share their days. This Johanna was only six years old when her father John died in 1883.

There is no record of her early years but we can get a sense of her as an adult from this obituary.

Miss Johanna Horgan. second daughter of Mrs. H. Horgan, Linwood, and the late Mr. J. Horgan, who died recently at her mother's residence (writes our Stockport correspondent) was most deservedly popular, with all with whom she came in contact. She had an ever ready smile of friendship, and although her illness was painfully weary and of long duration, she bore all suffering with marvellous fortitude. She was a devoted member and worshipper at the Roman Catholic Church, at Tarlee, and St. Mary's Church, Hamley Bridge.
Much sympathy Is felt throughout the whole district for the aged mother, and her sisters, Miss Kate Horgan (Linwood), Mrs. J. Mclnerney (Riverton), and her brothers, Messrs. Andy Horgan (Alma), and Thomas and John Horgan (Linwood). (1)

When Johanna died in 1926 at age 49, she left behind a world on the cusp of great change. Post-World War I Australia was grappling with the aftermath of conflict and loss, having contributed significantly to the war effort alongside other British dominions. The war had brought about social changes, including an increased role for women in the workforce and society. Johanna's role was unchanging, working in the farmyard and in the household. Her church activities probably included cleaning and perhaps arranging some flowers. We have some photos of her siblings but none of her or her namesake.

Johanna's funeral notice posted three days after her death, on the day of the funeral, reflects the importance of local newspapers in chronicling the lives of ordinary citizens in the past.

HORGAN.—THE FRIENDS of the late MISS JOHANNA HORGAN are respectfully informed that her Funeral will leave her Mother's Residence (Mrs. H. Horgan), Linwood, for the St. John's Cemetery, on FRIDAY, August 27, at 1.30 p.m. 
R. J. DAY. Undertaker, Kapunda. (2)

1.  1926 'News From Country Centres', Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), 11 September, p.8   https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/165624269

2. 1926 'Advertising', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), 27 August, p. 8. col.3 
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/47013710

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin