USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > Biographical history of the American Irish in Chicago > Part 7
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He has actively supported the Democratic party, to which he had attached himself since he reached his manhood. In 1893 he was made a member of the Board of Education to fill a vacancy, and on the expiration of the term was given a reappointment for three years by the late Carter H. Harrison.
Mr. Keane has always taken great interest in all matters apper- taining to the Irish people at home or abroad. He has devoted his best efforts, and will continue so to do, to the realization of the true Irishman's fondest hope, that in our day, and in the very near future, we may see Ireland free and happy and the old flag flying over the Irish parliament house in College Green.
Michael J. Keane, who is a bachelor, is a member of several clubs as well as various benevolent and friendly orders. He joined the Waukansee Club in 1892 and was a director in 1895. He is
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a member of the Columbus Club since 1893. In the Catholic Benev- olent Legion he has filled all offices from Orator to State Presi- dent, and he also belongs to the Fraternal Insurance Benevolent Society, the Royal Arcanum, and the Columbus Mutual Benefit So- ciety. He is also an honorary member of the Seventh Regiment Illinois National Guards.
HON. JOHN PATRICK MCGOORTY.
John Patrick McGoorty was born August 25th, 1866, at Con- neaut, Ashtabula County, Ohio, and is the son of Peter and Mary (Gaffney) McGoorty, both natives of Connaught, his father being from Leitrim and his mother from Roscommon. They were married in the old country and came to the United States in 1864, settling in Ohio. In 1870 the family removed to Berlin, Wis., where for twenty-five years Peter McGoorty has been a traveling salesman.
John Patrick McGoorty was educated in the public schools of Berlin, and in 1884, owing to failing health, after completing the high school course, he moved to Colorado and took up his residence in Denver, and later at Trinidad until the fall of 1885. His health restored, he returned to Berlin, accepting there a position with Stillman, Wright & Co., as a traveler for their flour. Very consid- erable success attended his efforts during the five years he re- mained with the firm, and during which period he visited the principal jobbing centers from Boston to San Francisco.
Mr. McGoorty having decided in 1890 to take up the legal pro- fession, entered the law department of the Lake Forest University where in 1893 he had conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor
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of Law. The active practice of his profession was immediately begun and by faithful and close attention to every case entrusted to him, he soon made himself known and with the result that he was quickly in the enjoyment of a very remunerative general practice. Perhaps the leading incident of his professional career and which has most greatly tended to his good success was his connection with the celebrated Prendergast case, in which he was one of the counsel for the defense. His work in that case received much favorable notice at the hands of the press and his speech to the jury at the close of that trial elicited many flattering encomi- ums from his professional brethren.
From his boyhood his tastes were of a literary character and though out door sports of every description were not neglected, he was at all times an omniverous reader. As a man, his reading has not been neglected, and there is no young lawyer in the city who keeps himself more thoroughly abreast with the times by reading not only subjects appertaining to his own profession but also all other timely matters.
A natural born orator, he was solicited in 1893, during the World's Fair, to read before the Catholic Congress the paper, "The World's Fair and Its Lessons to Catholics." This was a decided compliment, as it had been strongly suggested that another choice be made, and only at the last moment did some one offer the remark that there was no occasion to invite an outsider, as Chi- cago had already a citizen perfectly able to do the paper and its delivery full justice.
Mr. McGoorty was married, November 29th, 1893, to Mary Wig- gins, a Chicago lady of exceptional accomplishments.
His interest in Irish affairs has always been of a very pro- nounced character and he is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a number of other Irish societies. IIe is also Pres- ident of the Washington Council of the Irish Alliance.
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A Democrat from conviction, in the political world also he has made his strong personality and the excellence of his gifts power- fully felt. In 1895 he was nominated against Alderman O'Neil of the 34th Ward, and though unsuccessful, he made a noteworthy fight, running nearly one thousand votes ahead of his ticket. This year he has been further honored with his party's nomination in the Third Senatorial District for Representative to the Legisla- ture.
While still a young man, Mr. McGoorty has succeeded in mak- ing himself so high a reputation that if the promise of his career be fulfilled, the future should number among its proudest and most gifted representatives of Irish descent the name of John Patrick McGoorty.
MICHAEL VALENTINE GANNON.
A thorough lawyer, an eloquent speaker, a fervent patriot, a true hearted Irishman and a faithful devoted American, are terms that can be applied to no Chicagoan more fitly than to the subject of this sketch.
Michael V. Gannon was born in Dublin, Ireland, February 14th, 1846. His father, Michael Gannon, died when he was only three months old, leaving a widow and three children, of whom he was the youngest. He lost his only sister in infancy, and his brother John rests in the old land, where he died in 1872. His mother was formerly Catharine O'Brien, and is one of the family of the Mc- Geoghegans of West Meath, and the O'Briens of Limerick. His
no Ngannou
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father's family had long been settled in West Meath near Kilbeg- gan. For all the talent he possesses, all the good in his character, Michael V. Gannon feels indebted to the mother, whose earnest- ness, untiringness, true religious spirit and thorough patriotism were to the son the highest inspiration, and have made him what he is to-day.
Mr. Gannon found his earlier education in the Irish National School in Kilbeggan County, West Meath. In addition to all the ordinary studies, he was, as a boy, intensely interested in histori- cal and biographical subjects, as well as travels and romances, in fact, devouring every book of the kind he could find. Yet his studious disposition did not incapacitate him from a delight in all out-door sports, and he also took peculiar pleasure in amateur theatricals and in public reading.
When seventeen, in March, 1863, he joined the Dublin Metro- politan police in order to be with his brother, who had enlisted four years previously. He quickly discovered for what purposes that body was likely to be used, and took an early opportunity to resign. On October 18th, 1866, he emigrated to America, and quickly found employment teaching school, first in Rock Island, Ill., and then at Davenport, Iowa. Having decided to study law, he was admitted to practice in 1873.
A Democrat by conviction, he is in politics no partisan. In 1877 he was elected to the Davenport City Council. The following year he received the nomination for district attorney, but was defeated; however, on again being nominated in 1882, he was elected. Honored with the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 1884, he was successful in the election. In 1887 he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and in 1891 was elected president of the National Land League. He came to Chicago in 1893 and his high reputation, great abilities, and charm of manner have made for him multitudinous friends.
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Michael V. Gannon has been three times married, and has seven children now living. His present wife, formerly Mary Johnson, is a daughter of one of his companions in his journey from the old country to the great land of the free.
LAWRENCE P. BOYLE.
To lead in the profession chosen for the life work is the laud- able ambition of every man of ability to understand what worldly success means, and it is the closeness with which such desires are realized that constitutes prominence and greatness. Beyond all peradventure the subject of the present sketch is one of the lead- ing, as he is certainly one of the best known lawyers of this great city.
Lawrence P. Boyle was born April 23d, 1854, on a farm in Huntington County, Indiana, his parents being Lawrence and Jane (Finerghty) Boyle. Lawrence Boyle was a native of Queens Coun- ty, Ireland, and came to this country in 1835. With his cousin, Michael Malone, a wealthy contractor of Lancaster, Penn., he en- gaged in superintending the building of railroads. In 1842, on a visit to a brother, he went west to Huntington County, Ind., in- tending to return to Pennsylvania, but he was induced to alter his mind and settled on a farm in Clear Creek Township, then a wilderness in that county. Three years later he was married at Fort Wayne, Ind., to Jane Finerghty, a native of Roscommon, Ireland, where her father had at one time been a prosperous farmer and stock raiser, but through the terrible conditions existing in the country, was subsequently reduced almost to poverty.
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Mr. Boyle received his education in the common and select schools of Huntington and Wabash Counties, Ind., supplemented by considerable home studies. From childhood to early manhood was passed by him on the farm, attending school in the winter and in the summer assisting in the farming, in this way becoming physically strengthened for the after battle of life.
His schooling over he was given a license to teach, and in the public and graded schools of Huntington County he taught for some time to earn some money, in the first place to assist his father to pay off a debt on the farm and afterwards to obtain suffi- cient to live on while reading law between the school terms. The occupation was also in other ways congenial, and it afforded him an opportunity of reading law in the evenings and on the off day of each week-Saturday.
Industry and application found a suitable reward, and in 1879 he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Indiana, and taking up the practice of law in his native town-Huntington- he continued there until June 17th, 1884, building meanwhile con- siderable clientage and winning the good opinion and esteem of the bar there and in the counties surrounding. In 1880 in response to the wishes of the citizens of Huntington he became Mayor of the town, being re-elected to that office in 1882, although at the time he was the youngest Mayor of any city in Indiana. More was done by him to bring his city before the people of the State of In- diana and the country at large than had ever been before for that city, and he was also largely instrumental in securing the building of the Chicago and Erie Railroad through Huntington, and mainly through his efforts and shrewd management the shops of that road were located in that town, having ever since been the means of distributing from a quarter to half a million dollars per month. On June 17th, 1884, a total stranger without a friend or a relative within the city or State of Illinois, he removed to Chicago, imme-
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diately afterwards opening an office and starting into the practice of law. His experience under those circumstances was necessarily like the experience of others who have come to Chicago under sim- ilar circumstances, and for a time he had an excellent opportunity and ample time for study. Soon, however, his acquaintance ex- tended and his practice grew. In October, 1887, without solicita- tion on his part, he was appointed Master in Chancery of the Superior Court of Cook County, and reappointed to the same office by the same court in December, 1889. In October, 1890, owing to the pressure of business and his inability to attend to it all, he found it necessary to resign the office of Master in Chancery. While acting as Master in Chancery he passed on many cases of importance, and only in one instance were his decisions reversed by the Supreme or higher courts. In 1890 he was appointed Gen- eral Counselor and Attorney for the Board of Election Commis- sioners of Cook County, and reappointed each year successively un- til 1894, when this position also he resigned. During the period which Mr. Boyle acted as Counselor and Attorney for the Board of Election Commissioners many questions of great importance relating to the administration of the general city election law and the Australian ballot law were submitted to him by the Board for an opinion, and while these questions often involved considerations of partisan advantage, it was observed and may be said to his credit, that he never allowed himself to be swerved or to give an opinion to the Board for their guidance which he did not believe to be the law, and as an evidence of the correctness of his opinions they were always sustained when appealed from to the Supreme or other courts. In fact his opinions were so well considered to be impartial and sound interpretations of the law that he has been for some time, and is now, regarded as an au- thority on the laws pertaining to elections. Since June 1st, 1895, he has given attention exclusively to his private law practice, and
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now enjoys a large practice in both the Chancery and Law Courts. His practice has not been confined to Chicago, but extends through- out several of the western States, among which are Utah, Idaho and Colorado, having important mining litigations in the courts of these States.
In regard to political matters, always an unswerving and un- changeable Democrat, since 1893 Mr. Boyle has not taken any active part. In that year he, at the solicitation of the late Carter H. Harrison, who was his close friend, took a very leading part in the contest which secured for Mr. Harrison the nomination and election for Mayor. It is of common knowledge that Mr. Harrison appreciated Mr. Boyle's efforts, and had such thorough confidence in his professional ability that he could have had any office in the gift of the Mayor. He declined to accept any recompense of that character, declaring that he helped to elect, not because he wanted reward for his efforts, but because he admired Mr. Harrison and knew he would be the right man for World's Fair Mayor.
In 1892 the nomination for Judge of the Superior Court of Cook County was tendered to him by the leaders of the Democratic party, but this also he for sufficient reasons refused. In 1893, without solicitation on his part, in fact, against his own judg- ment, he was nominated by the Democratic party for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and although he ran many thou- sand votes ahead, he, with the balance of his ticket, suffered defeat.
Mr. Boyle has been connected with a number of public enter- prises. In 1890 he assisted in organizing the movement for the reform of the election laws of Illinois, and in 1891-92 took part in the preparation and the securing the passage of the Australian ballot law.
He was married June 12th, 1895, to Miss Alice Moore of Hunt- ington, Ind., also a native of that city and a lineal descendant of Colonel Daniel McFarland of Revolutionary fame. Her parents
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were among the first settlers of Huntington, Ind., her father being a merchant there and continuing in his business until his death in 1875, and her mother, a woman of rare refinement and educa- tion. Of Mrs. Boyle a few words are not out of place. She is a graduate of Glendale Female College, possesses a most interest- ing and entertaining manner, and as for her appearance is above the medium height, with a graceful figure, attractive face, pleasing address, a lover of the intellectual side of life, and is possessed of unusual gifts as an artist, many beautiful paintings which now adorn their home being the work of her hand. She is, however, none the less deeply interested in the practical duties and obliga- tions of home life, and finds much pleasure in making the home of herself and her husband attractive to themselves and hospitable to their friends.
A few words in regard to Mr. Boyle's personal appearance: More than six feet in height, broad shouldered and erect with a well poised head of indisputable intellectual cast, commanding in appearance, yet always kindly, his is a face and a form that in a crowd would at once command attention. Well trained faculties are in him supported and accompanied by the strength of youth and health. Of him it may indeed be truthfully said, that he is true and faithful to his friends and never loses a friendship when once formed, while as for his enemies-for, like all positive, ag- gressive men, he has many-he is oblivious to their attacks, treat- ing them at all times with unfeigned indifference.
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DAVID SULLIVAN.
David Sullivan is one of the young attorneys of Chicago, who by industry and perseverance united to professional skill and abil- ity has obtained a high position in his profession and at the same time gained the respect and esteem of all of the community with whom he is brought into contact.
Hle was born in the Island of Valentia, on the southwest coast of Kerry, April 3, 1856. His parents were John C. and Mary Sulli- van. The former died May 14th, 1884, at the age of eighty-one years, and his mother in February, 1891, aged eighty-two years.
His first education was obtained in Ireland, but on his arrival with his parents in the United States in 1865, he took a common school education and then attended the high school at Marquette, Michigan. He came to Chicago March, 1871, and has since made this city his permanent residence. While quite young he had man- aged to pick up some knowledge of the printing business, and his schooling over, he found a place on the Chicago Times, first at setting type, then as reporter, and afterwards as proof reader. He began the study of law with Judge Crooker, and then in the office of Judge Moran. Admitted to practice in 1879, he remained with the latter firm until 1882, when he started in business for himself. Eminently successful, he bears a high reputation for careful prep- aration, skillful handling, and entirely conscientious treatment of every case submitted to him. He has been appointed a Master in Chancery of the Superior Court, a position he now very worthily fills.
A Democrat in politics, consistent and unswerving, Mr. Sulli- van has for years been a very active member of the party. Ile was
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elected to the Legislature from the First District in the fall of 1880, and served in the 32d and 33d General Assemblies. Ap- pointed attorney of the County Board in September, 1883, he held the position until January, 1888.
The roaming instinct in him is strongly developed. He has traveled extensively in this country and Europe, and for six years has found change, relaxation and recreation by taking his sum- mer vacation in the Rocky Mountains.
David Sullivan was married January 15, 1884, to Kate A. Healy, a lady pre-eminently gifted in those qualities that make a happy home life. They have two children living; the elder, Ed- mund, was born in 1889, and the younger, a daughter, in 1895.
A member of a number of societies, among others the National Union and the Royal League, as well as several building associa- tions, he still finds time, in addition to his home and professional duties, to devote his energies to the cause of the dear home land. Hle is an Irish Nationalist of the truest type, devoted to the land of his birth, antagonistic to the country that has held her so long in thrall, and ever willing to contribute, financially or otherwise, towards the furtherance of her interests.
EDWARD J. WALSH.
Edward J. Walsh was born at a place called Bauntha near the town of Callan, County of Kilkenny, Ireland, on the 20th of June, 1860. His parents, John Walsh and Ellen Walsh, nee Lynch, were of the farming class and were in comfortable circumstances. The former could go back to the stirring scenes of 1798, for that mem-
Edward &walsh
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orable year saw the grandfather of the subject of our sketch with his long Queen Anne gun and knapsack proceed to the rebel camp to fight for independence. In after years John Walsh was wont to relate to his neighbors the recollection of that day in which his father joined the insurgent ranks, although at the time he was only about five years old. He lived to a green old age, dying in 1881, and was buried beside old St. Catharine's Abbey in the town of Callan. His thorough and manly independence of char- acter and a rugged honesty as unyielding in its purpose as the cele- brated marble of his native county, had gained for him respect and esteem, but he was at the same time possessed of a heart as tender as a woman's and ever responsive to the wants of the needy.
The County of Kilkenny was the former stronghold of the Walsh sept. Mr. John Savage, in his "Picturesque Ireland," says: "The Walsh family, like many other Anglo-Normans, adopted an Irish surname and title, and was known for ages as 'Branach,' which signifies in Irish, a Welshman. At an early period it had extensive possessions in Waterford and Kilkenny. For four cen- turies it was only inferior in estate and power to the Butlers and the Graces."
Edward J. Walsh first attended the private school of Walter IIawe in the town of Callan. Subsequently he attended the Chris- tian Brothers' School at the same place, and from thence entered St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny, where he remained three and a half years, graduating in the summer of 1879. While in college, young Edward was remarkable alike for his physical and mental energy, and was alike foremost in all sports and amusements as he was in his classes. The reasoning faculties seemed to be highly devel- oped in the young man. Endowed with an excellent and tenacious memory, he seldom forgot what he had studied, and to this day he is remarkable for the accuracy which he brings to the discussion of historical events. In college he was a general favorite, his 7
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warm and generous nature endearing him to his fellow collegians. His education finished, he conducted a milling establishment at the town of Callan for his eldest brother, Thomas Walsh, who is, at the present time, a town commissioner of that place, as well as a poor law guardian. This brother Thomas was an ardent mem- ber of the Fenian Brotherhood, and in 1867, being marked for prosecution by the gentle government of her Britannic majesty on account of his political opinions, he hurriedly came to this country, where he remained for nearly two years. Edward ex- pressing a desire to go abroad, his brother tried to induce him to remain at home, even offering him a partnership in his extensive business. Disliking a mercantile life, Edward, however, declined, and proceeded to this country, arriving here in April, 1881. The study of law was at once begun under the distinguished firm of lawyers, Messrs. Wright, Folkes & Wright, of Memphis, Tenn., and was admitted to the bar of that State on the 3d of July, 1883. He practiced law in Memphis during the following year, his first civil case of importance taking place at Sardis, Mississippi, and involving the title to a considerable quantity of cotton. Mr. Walsh represented W. B. Galbraith & Co. of Memphis, who had a mortgage on the cotton for supplies, and the only witness in the case was the man who raised the cotton. On arriving at Sar- dis, Mr. Walsh found that his witness was completely under the influence of liquor and under the control and management of the opposition. His opponents in the case were local merchants of Sardis. In this dilemma the ready wit of his native land came to his assistance. His first move was to induce the opposition to waive a jury and consent to have the case tried by the court, he wisely deeming that a local jury would favor the local merchants. The opposition, to make their case, had to place upon the stand the witness just mentioned, who, now comparatively sober, testified directly against the interests of Galbraith & Co. Then came the
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cross-examination by Mr. Walsh. It was a splendid effort, result- ing in a complete victory for his clients, and completely breaking down the testimony of the witness; Mr. Walsh, in addition to winning his case, was highly complimented by the older members of the bar who were present on the occasion.
Arrived in Chicago in 1884, the young lawyer possessed neither friends or acquaintances of any kind. Having a high opin- jon of his profession, he regarded soliciting for business as unpro- fessional conduct, and under those circumstances sought a position as law clerk and shortly thereafter entered the law office of Fol- lansbee & O'Connor, with whom he remained until 1886. In the meantime, owing to a difference between the laws of Tennessee and Illinois on the subject, Mr. Walsh had to undergo a new exam- ination for admission to the bar, but which examination he suc- cessfully underwent in March, 1885, being admitted to the bar of this State in the same month.
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