USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > Biographical history of the American Irish in Chicago > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
Mr. Corkery was an ardent Democrat, and took great interest in the ward organizations, of which he was the acknowledged leader. He was also largely instrumental in building up the Fifth Ward, in which he resided for the greater portion of his life. Twice he visited Europe; the first time with a party of friends, and the second time in company with his wife, when, having covered France and Germany, Ireland was made their longest stopping place.
Mr. Corkery was married December, 1878, to Mary Austin, daughter of Lawrence Austin of this city, and one of Chicago's earliest settlers. They had one daughter, who died when three years of age.
Mr. Corkery served on the school board until he resigned to accept the commissionership of elections, being the first to fill that position in Cook County. He was a member of the Sheridan and Iroquois Clubs, and organized the Jefferson Club, which collapsed after his death.
As may be judged from his rapid and invariable success, Mr. Corkery was of a nature both industrious and enterprising, and possessed of business and executive ability of the highest order. He was of a warm social character, fond of home and domestic life, though, as has been mentioned, taking a great interest in local and general politics. To Mrs. Corkery, who survives him, and who possesses an active interest in the business, and whose cour- teous, kindly and unassuming manner are united to great execu- tive talents, the late Mr. Corkery unquestionably owed much of his success in life. Mrs. Corkery is president of the Woman's Catholic League.
22
430
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
JAMES J. MULLEN.
Among the representative men of Chicago whose position is due solely to their own efforts, there is none who deserves more honor- able mention than James J. Mullen, president of the Mullen Brew- ing Company. Born in Chicago, October 28th, 1855, his parents were Peter and Ann (Murphy) Mullen. His father was a native of Wicklow, Ireland, who, having taken a prominent part in the troubles of 1848, came to Chicago in that year. He took up the oc- cupation of a blacksmith and wagon builder, and for years operated a shop on the west side, also taking an active part in Irish affairs until his death in 1869. Peter Mullen married Ann Murphy, who came of a well known County Carlow family, her parents leaving Ireland in 1850. They settled first in the East and later moved west to Chicago, where her brothers are now prominent and own consid- erable property near Harrison Street and Blue Island Avenue. She died in the year 1859.
The subject of this sketch attended the Chicago public schools in his youth, being compelled, however, at the age of fifteen, to set about earning his own living. His first occupation was that of a truck driver for the firm of Wm. A. Butters & Co., auctioneers and commission merchants, and here he remained for nine years and until 1878, when he became a porter with the furniture house of Alexander H. Revell & Co., at that time quite a small concern. In this employ he was for twelve years, during which time his ability was recognized and he received promotion from time to time until when he left he was manager of the establishment and had been given an interest in the business. July 1st, 1890, Mr. Mullen asso- ciated himself with the Merle & Heaney Manufacturing Co., makers
431
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
of furniture, and became secretary of the company. Here he was again successful, retiring in January, 1894.
So long an active business man, it was impossible for Mr. Mul- len to remain idle, and twelve months later he purchased the plant of the Vogt & Sweeney Brewery on Twenty-sixth Street. This, ow- ing to poor management, had been permitted to run down consid- erably until there was but a single customer on the books, and the concern was consequently placed in the hands of a receiver and sold by order of court. During Mr. Mullen's association with the Merle & Heaney Co., he had been closely connected with brewers and sa- loon men, and the experience he had gained enabled him to quick- ly grasp the situation and, as a result, to soon place his new ven- ture on a paying basis, so much so that to-day it is one of the best paying plants in the city. The sole credit for this is due to Mr. Mullen, who, unaided, carried through the venture and by his individual energy and attention to all the details has made the business what it is.
Mr. Mullen, while of a very modest and retiring disposition, is still extremely congenial and companionable, finding time to be- long to the Columbus and Sheridan Clubs, the Royal League, and the Independent Order of Foresters. He is a Roman Catholic and is a member of the congregation of St. James' Church, while in politics he has always been a Democrat.
Mr. Mullen married Norah Kelly, daughter of Captain William Kelly, a well known lake captain, and they have been blessed with a family consisting of four girls and a boy. Mr. Mullen has a pleas- ant home at 3208 Calumet Avenue, where he and his charming wife dispense hospitalities to their numerous friends. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen are both fond of traveling and have visited all the leading sections of the United States.
As a citizen Mr. Mullen lends his influence to all matters per- taining to the welfare of his city and the community. He contrib-
432
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
utes to charity as far as his means will allow, is always ready to help the unfortunate, and in all his relations bears himself as an earnest, large-hearted and conscientious gentleman, who esteems it a privilege, as he counts it a duty to do the most good in the best way to the greatest number of persons.
Gifted in a rare degree with energy, determination and ambi- tion, of powerful will and splendid health, every qualification has been used to the best advantage, and he is to-day in the enjoyment of a well earned and richly deserved competence, in addition to the confidence, respect and esteem of all his fellow citizens.
PATRICK MCGARRY.
Patrick McGarry was born in Ireland, July 2d, 1845, the son of John McGarry, prominently connected with the troubles of 1845, and who died in 1878. His father was one of the leaders of the Irish rebellion in 1798, and suffered the punishment of a public whipping in the corn market at Belfast, and the subject of this sketch when a young man, recalls having his hands placed on the scars on his grandfather's back and being asked to promise he would strike a blow for Ireland for each one of them. With such bringing up, breathing into his very life a hatred of the English oppression, it is little wonder that the youthful Patrick grew up with full determination that Ireland must be free. John McGarry had married Mary Murray, of Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, a member also of a family noted for its patriotism. In 1883 she came to this country on a visit for several months, and now well over eighty, is living in the old land across the seas.
433
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
Patrick McGarry received his education in a Church of Eng- land school at Belfast, and after six years left, at the age of eleven. It is a fact worthy of note that Joseph G. Biggar, later famous in the English House of Commons, was his monitor, and from him young Patrick received his first lessons.
Schooling over, he went to work in the linen warehouse of Jo- seph McGill, at that time the largest in Belfast. Having spent eighteen months in this business, he came to the conclusion that a life on the ocean would be more to his liking, and went into the Queen's Island ship yard, where he was the first Roman Catholic to learn the trade of boiler making and iron ship building. Having served his five years there, he traveled through the three kingdoms, working at his trade, and also made a few trips on the ocean as boiler maker, sailing for New York in the month of July, 1871. He remained in the latter city for a few months, working at the same , occupation, and then came to Chicago, where he arrived just six months before the fire. In Chicago he followed his trade, from 1873 to 1889, excepting an interval in 1875, during which he visited Ire- land. On January 15th, 1889, Mr. McGarry formed a partnership with Snider, Leonard & McCarrin, and the Union Steam Boiler Works was started, continuing until January 1st, 1890, when the firm of McGarry & Dunne was organized and business done until March, 1895, when the firm was dissolved, Mr. McGarry taking sole charge.
Mr. McGarry from his early youth has taken a great interest in Irish affairs; in 1863, at the age of eighteen, he joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Mr. McGarry may also claim the honor of launching the late Joseph Biggar, M. P., into the political world. It was in this way: In 1864 the corner stone of the O'Connell monu- ment at Dublin was being laid, an excursion from Belfast was at- tacked in that city by Orangemen and considerable trouble arose between the Orangemen employed on Queen's Island, of whom
434
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
there were some four thousand, and about two hundred Roman Catholics at that time employed in building new docks. Several of the latter were driven into the sea and many wounded, it being supposed that the Catholics were giving information to the au- thorities; the Orangemen struck, demanding that all Catholics em- ployed in the Queen's Island ship yard quit the works. The strike having continued two weeks, the business men of Belfast tried to settle the difficulty by arbitration, and this was finally agreed to, two men being appointed to represent each side. Mr. McGarry, who was even then recognized as a leader among the Catholics, sug- gested for the Catholic representatives the name of A. J. McKenna, at that time editor of the Irish National paper, "The Northern Star," and Joseph G. Biggar, an obscure pork merchant, this being the latter's first entrance into publicity. A settlement was finally made, the Orangemen agreeing to return to work if the Catholics would give no more information concerning the rioters. So pleased were the Nationalists of Belfast at the way Mr. Biggar handled the question, that they elected him Councilman from Smithfield Ward, Belfast, and shortly afterwards he was elected Member of Parlia- ment from County Cavan, became Parnell's Chief Lieutenant, the leader of obstruction in the House, and possibly the most hated Irishman who ever took his place in Parliament.
Mr. McGarry joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians in 1881, and has been president of a division and also State delegate of Illi- nois. In 1894 he was elected at the New York convention National Secretary, was re-elected in 1895, and in 1896 became National Delegate. He was also elected delegate to attend the Irish Race Convention, held at Dublin, Ireland, September 1st, 2d, and 3d, 1896, but by reason of important business matters at the last mo- ment he was compelled to forego. He joined the Clan-Na-Gael in 1885 and is still an active member of that organization, in the working of which he has always taken an active part.
435
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
Mr. McGarry was married, April 28th, 1874, to Miss Augusta A. Beckley, of Logansport, Ind., and the union has resulted in seven children, of whom all with the exception of one are living.
In politics he is entirely independent, believing in so voting as will do the greatest good for the greatest number. He is a Roman Catholic and a regular attendant at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul.
While his life in this country has been possibly of a more peace- able character than his early bringing up may have led him to de- sire, his faith in the old land has never wavered, nor his earnest hope that it may be his fortune to see Ireland taking her proper place among the nations of the earth. Honored and respected, he has made for himself hosts of friends in this city, and by his per- sonal worth has gained a high place in the list of Chicago's Amer- ican Irish.
DANIEL J. GALLERY.
Daniel J. Gallery was born at Ennishone, County Clare, Ireland, December 26th, 1838. Ilaving received his education in the old country, he came to America in 1856, moving on to Chicago. His first employment was for Squire Tom Dingee, at Evanston, and he then started business in Chicago as a teamster. When the war broke out he went to Memphis, continuing in the same business until the war closed. His remuneration was one out of every three bales of cotton for hauling the same. The war closed, he returned to this city and soon founded the Gallery Transfer Company. For- tune favored his efforts, and having, in 1885, taken his son, Daniel
436
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
V., into the business, he gave him full charge. Mr. D. J. Gallery retired in 1891, and has since enjoyed the reward of his successful industry.
He had married in Chicago, in 1850, Mary A. Daley, and they have six children-Rebecca A., Dan. V., a successful young lawyer; John J., Martha R., Allison, and William F.
Mr. Daniel J. Gallery is a Roman Catholic, and in politics be- longs to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Royal League, an honorary member of the Young Men's Institute, and since 1856 a member of the Board of Trade. Mr. Gallery is also an extensive traveler, being well acquainted with the United States, and has on several occasions visited Europe.
PATRICK DIGNAN.
This popular and highly respected Connaught Irishman was born on St. Patrick's day, 1847, in County Mayo, Ireland, in which country his parents, Robert L. and Kate (Burke) Dignan, lived and died, although his father did, upon one occasion, come to the United States to pay a short visit to the subject of this sketch. The family was originally from the north of Ireland, the first settlement in County Mayo having been made by Robert L. Dignan's grand- father.
Patrick Dignan was educated in the national schools of Ireland until he was sixteen, and then for a year found employment there in a general store. At seventeen he decided to seek his fortune in the United States, and arrived in the City of Providence, R. I., at
Patrick Dignan
439
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
the time when the cry of war was stirring the land. Patriotic feel- ings moved the young Irishman's heart, and he determined to be- come a soldier. He immediately joined the Second Rhode Island Cavalry, and at once went to the front. Here his skill as a civil engineer and his genius for mechanics found quick recognition, and he was soon transferred to Fort Gratiot, Michigan, to take part in the construction of the government works there, and at this point he remained until the close of the war.
It was in 1865 that Mr. Dignan first came to Chicago, and this city has since been his permanent home. For a number of years he worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Com- pany, and in that employ remained until he started in business for himself. The livery and undertaking business, which he founded and still continues, has prospered exceedingly, and he has been able to amass therein a comfortable fortune. For a number of years past it has been Mr. Dignan's custom to visit his native land every summer, and he has crossed the Atlantic fifteen times.
The subject of this sketch was married in 1865 in Chicago to Christine Hishfalt, who died in 1889, and Mr. Dignan then mar- ried Alice Brown, another Chicago lady, and they have had five children.
In his religious views he is a Roman Catholic, and in his politics an Independent Democrat.
Mr. Dignan is a true Irishman, and firm in his belief that Ireland should be given the right of self government. Since 1865 he has been connected with Chicago Irish organizations; he is a member of the Catholic and Independent Order of Foresters and also of the Knights of Pythias.
In the New Movement Convention of 1895 in this city, he was not only a delegate, but also a member of the executive committee.
-
440
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
DR. HENRY THOMAS MURPHY.
Dr. Henry Thomas Murphy was born November 19th, 1863, at Ft. Winnebago, just outside of Portage, Wis .-- a historic spot, for there Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis served during the Black Hawk War. His parents were Michael and Jane (McDon- ald) Murphy, both natives of County Galway, Ireland, who, coming to America in 1849, had settled in this country and brought up a family of eleven children.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the public schools of his native town, graduating from its high school in the class of 1886. From 1884 to 1886, however, he was com- pelled to teach in Columbia County, Wis., in order to secure the necessary means to continue his studies. After graduating, he definitely decided upon making medicine his profession, and on the 1st of March, 1887, he entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago and, completing a three years' course, graduated in the class of 1890 and began to practice in Chicago. During the period that he was attending the medical college he held several posi- tions in the County Hospital.
Dr. Murphy is a prominent member and Examining Physician . for the Catholic Order of Foresters, and belongs also to the Knights of Maccabees, Independent Order of Foresters, and the Supreme Order of Foresters of Canada.
Dr. Murphy is in religion a devout Catholic and a regular at- tendant at All Saints' Church. In his politics he has never varied but has always been a faithful adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. A close student, an omnivorous reader, he is
Respectfully Hung N'murphy
441
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
always a pleasant and charming companion. In his professional duties he evinces wonderful patience and skill as well as the great- est kindness, which, in addition to his considerable ability, are rap- idly and deservedly accumulating for him a splendid practice.
CHARLES JOSEPH MAGEE.
Any record of the lives and achievements of worthy Irishmen and those of Irish blood would be incomplete did it not contain some mention of the history of Charles Joseph Magee, the well known Chicago contractor and builder. He was born March 15th, 1860, in County Antrim, Ireland, his parents being Charles and Catherine (Mclaughlin) Magee. The father was a large and prom- inent stock farmer whose family had been prominent in the Irish Rebellion.
The subject of the present sketch attended the national schools of his native town until he was fifteen, when for three years he went to work on a farm. The building of the Great Northern Railroad of Ireland found him at work on the road as a laborer, and he was soon promoted to the position of time-keeper. Here he remained, however, but a short time, for he had decided to learn the trade of a carpenter, and after serving an apprenticeship he secured a posi- tion as carpenter on a steamship and for a year made several trips to Europe, visiting many points, and upon one occasion being ship- wrecked in the Bay of Biscay. He came to the United States in August, 1881, and directly on to Chicago. For a time he worked for P. D. Armour, at the Stock Yards, but later he secured employ-
442
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
ment with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and was made superintendent of a gang of men who were doing repairing along the railroad.
Moved by his ambitious disposition he determined, in 1883, to no longer work for other people but to start in the general con- tracting business. The result well justified his views, for being shrewd, honest, and thoroughly reliable, besides possessing a full understanding of every detail of the trade, he was soon in the pos- session of a very prosperous business. Mr. Magee has taken con- tracts for and has constructed over eight hundred buildings in Chicago, and among the large buildings which he has built may be mentioned the block at Twelfth and Wabash Avenue, at a cost of $123,000, and another at the corner of Belden Avenue and Lar- rabee Street, for $56,000. At this writing-the spring of 1897-he has just finished a home for himself at a cost of $11,600. In the buying of property at bargains, the building up and selling at a considerable profit, he has been very successful, and his possession of business qualifications of the very highest character has been very completely demonstrated.
Mr. Magee was married, December 29th, 1886, to Annie Worth, who came of good County Wexford stock, and whose family had taken part in the late war, in which an uncle of hers, Datas Worth, was killed and her father very badly wounded. They have five chil- dren.
So far as his means will allow him, Mr. Magee is both benevo- lent and charitable. He is a Roman Catholic and a regular attend- ant at the Church of St. Jarlath, while in his political views he ad- heres strictly to the Democratic party. Formerly he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and he now belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters and also to the Columbus Club.
There is no man in his business in Chicago who at the present time is more prosperous, or who possesses a higher reputation for
443
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
honesty and integrity. By those in his employ he is always spoken of in the very highest terms for his fair and kind treatment, and strikes and difficulties with him are few and far between.
That he should ever have been enabled to make so good a busi- ness success and amass so comfortable a fortune while yet com- paratively a young man, he considers the result of the strict attention he has always paid to the details of his business, of his honest treatment of every one, and to the soundness of his judg- ment on all business matters.
JOSEPH JOYCE.
No American Irishman in Chicago is better entitled to the honor- able distinction of being called a self-made man than is the subject of the present sketch, Mr. Joseph Joyce, who was born March 27th, 1860, in this city. His parents were Michael and Mary Joyce, both natives of County Mayo, Ireland, and who were married in the City of Chicago, January 3d, 1853. Michael Joyce was one of the pioneer firemen of Chicago under the old volunteer system, and was for many years the custodian of the old court house bell, which he used to ring in case of fire, before the introduction of the present telegraph system. He was a modest and unassuming man and one at all times most attentive to his duties, and as a result of long hours and overwork, died January, 1864. In the possession of the family is still the old silver fire badge-a shield-number 189, which was so long worn by the father; and also the first annual report of the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. His wife,
444
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF THE
Mary, a woman of very noble character, died November 17th, 1886. Michael Joyce left a large tract of land where Garfield Park is now located, which then was known as Bull's Head, and also a home- stead, but the former the mother was compelled to sell in order to educate the family with which she was left, consisting of four children.
Joseph Joyce attended the Holy Family School until he was ten years of age, and then for a further twelve months the Clark public school, in that time completing all the schooling he was destined to receive. The boy was but four years old when his father died, and as he grew in years-he being the oldest of the family -- he shared the joys and sorrows of his self-sacrificing mother, to whom he was very greatly attached. At the age of eleven he en- deavored to find some employment in order that he might be of help in the support of the family.
His first employment was as an errand boy to a contractor, and this was his occupation at the time of the great fire, when, how- ever, the home of the family escaped, not being in the path of the flames, and the Joyces were able to share what they had with others less fortunate than themselves. From 1872 to 1876, though still young, he did a man's work in driving a team, and in the latter year was offered by the city a position in taking down and putting up telegraph wires, but concluding that the occupation would not be congenial to him, refused it and started in the wholesale dis- trict in search of a position. Many refusals did not discourage him, and he finally succeeded in obtaining a place in the wholesale paper house of Bradner Smith & Co. For some time he was em- ployed moving goods into the new warehouse and had to work eighteen hours a day. Quite early in his life he made up his mind that the only way to succeed in life was to work hard, learn the business, and watch out for opportunities, and his faithful efforts soon attracted the attention of the Cleveland Paper Co., a rival
.
445
AMERICAN IRISH IN CHICAGO.
company, by whom he was offered the position of receiving clerk. His diligent work continuing, he was promoted to the position of a salesman, and after a time was offered a place of greater responsi- bility with the J. W. Butler Paper Co., and there remained for five years, going thence to the Calumet Paper Company at an advanced salary, and remaining with the latter until the premises were burned out and the company retired from business. Having saved some little money, he bought part of a damaged stock of paper at auction, and was fortunate in selling the same to considerable profit. Thus encouraged to go into business for himself, in the spring of 1895 he organized the Empire Paper Company, of which he became President and Treasurer, and under his charge the com- pany has met with commendable success, and already supplies some of the largest consumers in the city.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.