Timeline

Margaret Langdon

Margaret was born in Rathlackan, County Mayo, Ireland on March 24th, 1822. In 1850 she emigrated to America.William Langdon and Margaret (Thomas) Langdon were married on August 1st, 1850 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Joliet, Will County, Illinois. Their first child, Jane, was born September 1854 in Illinois. Their second, Patrick J., was born in Morris, Grundy County, Illinois on March 7th, 1855.On February 19, 1856, William and his brother, Patrick L. bought 80 acres of land located in section 12, Aux Sable Township, Grundy County, Illinois, for $180. On May 21st, 1856, William sold his share of the property to his brother Patrick L. Langdon. Soon after, William and Margaret loaded up Jane and Patrick J. and all of their belongings and headed West in a covered wagon train. They traveled some 400 miles and eventually arrived in Sarpy County on July 6, 1856.They proceeded to accumulate land and engage in farming.  Life was hard for these early settlers.  They lived in "dugouts" and sod houses. They toiled long hours to break the virgin soil.  Eventually log cabins were built.  For supplies they had to make the big trip into Omaha.William and Margaret then had 5 more children: Michael J. (1857), John H. (1858), Elizabeth (1862), Anthony E. (1863), and Catherine (1865).  In all, 11 children were born to William and Margaret (Thomas) Langdon.On August 18, 1884, William Langdon died at the age of 63 and was buried in the Thomas Calvary Cemetery.  Margaret then left the farm and spent the rest of her life in Gretna.  On December 22, 1912, she died at the age of 90.  She outlived her husband by some 28 years.  She is buried beside her husband in the Thomas Calvary Cemetery.Six children survived her: Patrick J., John H., Anthony E., Elizabeth Hughes, Jane Doyle, and Catherine.  She was also survived by 34 grand children and 21 great grandchildren.