Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 101

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 101

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Dr. McFarland was married June 10, 1908, to Ethel B. Cantrall, of Athens, Ill., a daughter of Jasper Cantrall, one of the leading men of Athens. Dr. McFarland is a Republican, but has not gone before the public for office. Fra- ternally he is a Mason, belonging to Loami Lodge, No. 450, and to the Modern Woodmen of America of New Berlin. In addition to his pro- fessionai interests Dr. McFarland owns 240 acres of land in Arkansas, and is a stockhoider and promoter of the New Berlin Driving Asso- ciation. Energetic and enthusiastic, he is de- voted to his work and has a large practice throughout Sangamon and Morgan Counties. He is well-read, owning a large library and sub- scribing for many magazines, some of a pro- fessional nature, and enjoys their contents. He and his wife have a number of warm personai friends and stand high in their community.

McGILLICK, John .- Sangamon County appre- ciates without stint the many excellent qualities of the sons of Erin who find there more con- genial surroundings than in their own oppressed country, dear as it is to them. Many reliable and representative citizens of the county were born in Ireland, and among them is John Mc- Gillick, of Section 25, Woodside Township, owner

of a good farm. He was born June 22, 1821, a son of James and Mary (Riley ) McGillick, na- tives of Ireland. In 1862 the parents came to Springfield, where they spent the remainder of their lives, dying there years ago. The limited educational advantages afforded Mr. McGillick were obtained in Ireland, and from the time he was a mere child he had to work hard.

As he grew up, he realized that Ireland was no place for ambitious young men, and in 1855 he came to Canada, where for seven years be was a landscape gardener and farmer. But not finding there exactly the conditions he wanted, he came in 1862 to Springfield, which has been his home city ever since, although for some years past he has lived in Woodside Township. His farm of thirty-four acres represents years of toil. Bnying it at a low figure, years ago, ne has developed it nntil it is now a valnabie prop- erty. On it his children were born and reared to useful maturity, and he and his wife are there spending their declining years.

Mr. McGillick was married in Canada, in Feb- ruary, 1867, to Margaret Flinnigan, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, daughter of Michaei and Mary Flinnigan, natives of Ireland and Glasgow, Scotland, respectively. Mr. Flinnigan lived to be ninety-five years of age, spending the last fifteen years of bis life in Springfield, wbere he died. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Gillick were as follows: Rose E., born Novem- ber 10, 1868; Thomas and Sarah, twins, born September 30, 1884, and Margaret, born No- vember 10, 1SS6, and three danghters and one son who are deceased. Being now advanced in years, Mr. McGillick does little of the actnal work of the farm, which is under the efficient charge of his son. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, and has been from boyhood. his vote is always cast for the candi- dates of the Democratic party, and he gives them his hearty support in other ways. Genial and kind-hearted, this excellent old gentlemen has many friends and holds the esteem of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

MCGINNIS, Mrs. Bridget, of Springfieid, Iii., was born in County Sligo, Ireland, in July, 1847, daughter, of John and Anna (Toher) Meer, both also natives of that county, the father born in 1821 and the mother in 1822. He died in 1897 and she died at age of ninety-three years. Neither of them left their native land. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Bridget was the second in order of birth. They are: Mary, wife of Michael Mclaughlin, living in Ireland ; Bridget ; Anna, wife of John Joyce, of Philadelphia, Pa .; Thomas, also of Phiiadel- phia ; Michael, of Ireland; Sarah died in Ire- land, at a tender age; John, of Ireland; Kati- erine, wife of John Kelly, of Ireland; Neilie. wife of John Walsh, of Ireland; Betty died young ; Patrick lives in Michigan.

Bridget Meer was married in the Catholic Church in Mahanoy, Pa., by Rev. Father Mc- Avoy, in August of the year following the assas-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

sination of President Lincoln, to John McGin- nis, who was born in County Sligo, Ireland, in 1829, and died September 12, 1903. The records of his family have been lost and his widow is unable to give the names of his ancestors or data relative to them. Mr. McGinnis came to America as a boy and located first at Scranton, Pa., and later quoved to Mahanoy. He aud his wife came to Dixon, Ill., aud thence to LaSalle, and later lived for a time at Streator, Braid- wood, and Barclay, and finally located in Spring- field, where they located permanently. 1Ie fol- lowed mining all his active life and was an industrious, reliable citizen. He had a sister Bridget, who married Patrick Eagen and lives in Nebraska.

Five children were born to Mr. McGinnis and wife, of whom all are deceased except one. They were three daughters and two sous, namely : Anna, born in May, 1866, died in Juue, 1903; John, a coal miner, born in 1869, died April 19, 1896; Katherine, horn in September, 1872, died in 1894; Patrick, born in 1878, a coal miuer, died iu February, 1908; Mary, horn June 2, 1876, lives at home with her mother. Mary McGinnis is most devoted to her mother's com- fort and welfare and has given up all her perso- nal tastes and ambitions to administer to her parent in the latter's old age. Both are mem- bers of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and are earnest workers in its cause. They are refined, cultured women and have many personal friends. The husband and father died at his home in Springfield and Mrs. and Miss McGinnis now reside at 1834 North Ninth Street.

McGIVNEY, Michael (deceased) .- A good man's influence is felt long after his mortal body has has crumhled iuto the dust from which it was raised. The best citizens of a city are not al- ways found in the highest positions; wealth and political honors do not necessarily bring happiness, for it is among those who each day do the duty assigned them, giving a fair ser- vice, that real contentment and piety are found. The life of the late Michael McGivney was an excellent example of this, and his memory is tenderly cherished by those who knew his real worth. Mr. McGivney was horn in Ireland ahout 1840. Losing his parents when he was a siuall lad, he was cared for hy an uucle, who brought his young charge and his two sisters, Annie and another to the United States. Soon after their arrival iu New York City the uncle died, and the young people found their way to Cincinnati, O., where they had a cousin. The two sisters married and now reside in Arkansas.

The cousin was in a tanning husiness, and Michael found employment with him. Later he embarked in a tauning business in Aherdeen, O., but in 1887 he moved to Springfield, where he entered the employ of the electric light plant, continuing with this concern for eighteen years, or until his death. While residing in Aberdeen, Mr. McGivney was united in marriage with Hannah Downs, horn in the vicinity of Mays-

ville, Ky., a daughter of Johu and Margaret (Henuessey) Downs. The children born to them were: Johu, who died at the age of thirty- five years in Springfield, married a Miss Sex- ton; William, died at the age of twenty-five years ; James, deceased; Frauk, also deceased; Edward, of Chicago, and Mary, at home. Mr. McGivney died July 7, 1908, a faithful memher of the Roman Catholic Church of the Immacu- late Conception. In politics he was a Democrat, but uever aspired to office, confining his atten- tion to his work.

McGOVERN, John James (deceased), who was prominent in labor circles in Springfield, Ill., had the best interests of his community at heart and was recognized as a public-spirited, useful citizen. He was born at Newcastle, Del., Feb- ruary 2, 1855, a son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Sheridan ) McGovern. The father was a native of Ireland and came to America as a young man. After living several years iu Delaware, he weut to Weir City, Kan., locating on a farm nearby. The mother was also a native of Ire- land and they had five children, as follows: Edward, Eugene, Henry, Owen, John J.

Mr. McGovern attended school at Farmiug- dale, Ill., and his first active work was per- formed on his father's farm. Later he eugaged in mining operations, first as a laborer and eventually as a foreman. He took great interest in the welfare of his fellow-workmen and in labor conditions and was popular with his asso- 'ciates. He became connected with the Work- man's Legal Insurance Company, of Chicago. He retired from active life in 1897 and spent his last days in ease aud quiet in his home at Springfield.

Mr. McGovern's marriage occurred at Peters- burg, Ill., April 20, 1881, when he was united with Ellen Brazle, the ceremony heing per- formed by Father O'Hara and taking place in the Catholic Church of that place. Miss Brazle was born at LaSalle, Ill., July 20, 1862, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Farrell) Brazle, both natives of Ireland, the father born in December, 1834 and the mother, May 15, 1837. The Brazle family came to America and located on a farm near Ashland, Ill., where the father's death occurred February 23, 1906. Mrs. Brazle still resides at Ashland. They were parents of nine children, as follows: Edward, Ellen (Mrs. Mc- Govern), Mary (wife of John Sehy) ; Bridget, James, Michael and Anna, all deceased; Alice, wife of Simon Whallen.

Mr. McGovern and wife became parents of ten children : Elizabeth, born February 18, 1881, wife of Charles Gallagar; Edward, born October 20, 1883; Mary L., born October 18, 1885, wife of William Galgannon of Ohio; Thomas P., horn Fehruary 28, 1887, a florist at the Bell-Miller Green House Co. and living at home; Eugene P. a minor born December 12, 1889, lives at home ; Frances, born, January 6, 1891, died September 5, 1896; Frank, horn October 21, 1893, at home; Robert, born March, 9, 1895, lives at home and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

is a florist in the employ of A. C. Brown Com- pany; Aiice, born January 16, 1898; Stella, born April 28, 1900. There are ten grandchildren in the family.

Mr. McGovern belonged to the Royal Circle, which is now known as the Royal Americans, and was a member of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church. He was active and prominent in poli- tical affairs and cast his iufluence with the Democratic party. His death was keenly felt in many circles and was sincerely mourned by a wide circle of friends. He passed away at his Springfield home February 2, 1904, and his widow still resides there, surrounded by her children and many friends.

McGOWAN, Frank M .- The wool industry of the United States is one of the country's im- portant enterprises, and in all of its various branches controls immense sums of money and gives employment to large numbers of men. Those who are engaged in this business as dealers have a finger at the country's pulse, as wooi being a necessary article the scale of its demand indicates the nation's prosperity. Frank M. McGowan, a prominent business man of Springfield, Ill., is engaged in dealing in wool, as well as In hides and tallow, in partner- ship with his father and governing one of the successful business ventures of its kind in this part of the country. Mr. McGowan is a native of Springfield, born here January 30, 1872, a son of Michaei and Eliza (Ryan) McGowan.

Michael McGowan was born in the North of Ireland, and on settling in Albany County, N. Y., after coming to this country, he secured em- ployment as a wool-sorter, aud subsequently was employed in the same capacity at Hartford, Conn. In 1867 he came as a journeyman to Springfield, where he entered the employ of the Springfield Woolen Mills, with which firm he continued thirty years, first having charge of the sorting and later becoming buyer for the company, but is now engaged in business with his son. Mc McGowan was married in Decatur, Ill., in 1867, to Eliza Ryan, who was born in the eastern part of Ireland, but in early life was taken by her parents to Hartford, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. McGowan had these children : Margaret, the wife of N. J. Hamilton, of Spring- field ; Sarah, wife of James Cochran, of St. Louis, Mo .; Frank M .; Daniel J., deceased; John J., who married Eva Silvy, and had seven children ; Elizabeth, at home; and Christopher, who took his preparatory studies in the Spring- field High School and is now studying med- icine in the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis, Ind.

Frank M. McGowan received his education in the public schools of Springfield and later spent one year in a business college. He began sort- ing wool in the Springfield Woolen Mills, work- Ing under his father's direction, afterwards spending six or seven years in a similar business in Ohio. In 1893 he engaged in the wool trade at Havana, Ill., where he remained one year,

then returned to Springfield where he embarked in his present business, being later joined by his father. They have handled millions of pounds of wool and also deal in hides and tallow. Mr. McGowan is a stockholder and director in the "Springfield Record" Publishing Company, and he and his father own considerabie desirable real estate in the city.

In September, 1894, Mr. McGowan was united in marriage with Miss Stacia A. Connolly, who was born in Chatham, Ili., and educated in the schools of Sangamon County, where her parents resided for many years. Children have heen born to this union, as follows. Loraine, Helen, Margaret, Francis, Bermadine and Frank M. Jr.

Mr. McGowan is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Order of Elks; is also a communicant of the St. Agnes Catholic Church, and a liberal donator to church and charitable work. His political faith is that of the Demo- cratic party, and besides takiug quite an active part in local matters, is always found at the head of any movement which he believes will help In promoting the city's best interests.

MCGRATH, Thomas C. (deceased), who served ten years as a member of the police force of Springfield, Ill., was well known as a usefui and public-spirited citizen. Mr. McGrath was born lu Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa., April 8, 1836, a son of Terrence and Nellie (Cnmeford) McGrath, the former born in Ireland. The father was a foreman in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. He and his wife had seven chil- dren.

The education of Thomas C. McGrath was . acquired in his native State, and after leaving school he began driving in the coal mines. In 1859 he moved to LaSalle County, Ill., where he lived about twelve years and was employed as a miner. In 1887 he located in Springfield, where he secured a position on the police force, under the administration of Mayor Hay, and served ten years uuder three different Mayors. He left the force in 1896 aud his death occurred at his home, 1527 East Washington Street, Springfield, July 25, 1906, at the age of seventy years. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery. He was a good officer and had considerable ex- perience in mining, having heen employed many years as inspector and foreman for the Capital Coal Company. He was a member of the Catholic Church and affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters, of Springfield. He took an active part in local affairs and in political views was a Democrat. He was devoted to his home, a kind husband and father, and had many warm personal friends, being a man of social instincts and genial disposition.

Mr. McGrath was married, in LaSalle County, Ill., February 19, 1860, to Miss Mary Colbert, who was born in Columbia, Lancaster County, Pa., May 17, 1837, a danghter of Michael and Johanna (O'Connell) Culbert, hoth born In County Cork, Ireland. Twelve children were born to Mr. McGrath and his wife, namely :

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Josie, uumarried, living with her mother ; Thomas J., unmarried and living at home; Will- iam F., a mine worker, married and living iu Springfield ; Margaret, married Patrick . J. Whalen, a bartender living in Springfield; Anna, married Joseph Hohl, clerk iu a shoe store iu Springfield ; Nellie and Matthew, unmarried. David J., Terrence, Michael, Alice and Heleu are deceased.

McGRAW, Daniel, now living retired from active life in his comfortable home at 2026 East Capi- tol Avenue, Springfield, Ill., has spent most of his life In Saugamon County. He was boru in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1840, a sou of Pat- rick and Mary (Cahill) McGraw, who brought him to America as a small boy. The parents spent two years iu Toronto, Canada, then came to Springfield, where both died a few years la- ter. Daniel McGraw received his education in Quebec, Canada, and upon leaving school se- cured a position ou a steamboat plying ou the Mississippi between St. Louis and New Orleaus, spending three years In this way. He then lo- cated iu Springfield, where he worked a few years as gardener and then purchased stock in the Old East Mine, of which he still owns some shares. He entered the employ of the company and remained with them uutll he retired from active life, a few years since. He owns his present residence, which is very pleasantly lo -. cated, and has a large number of frieuds in the city.

Mr. McGraw was married in Springfield, in 1880, to Miss Mary Welsh, a native of Ireland, whose pareuts spent their entire Ilves in that country, and four sons and three daughters were born of this uuion. The four surviving children are: Patrick, of Omaha, Neb .; Dauiel, of Springfield; Nora, wife of Matt Culleu, au employe of the Springfield fire department; Nellie, of Springfield. There is but one grand- child In the family. Mr. McGraw is a devout member of the Rowau Catholic Church, belong- ing to the Immaculate Couception Parlsh, aud in polltles is a Democrat. He has a reputation for honesty and integrity and is regarded as a useful, upright citizen. He was personally ac- quainted with Abraham Lincoln, of whom he has many pleasant memories.

McGRUE, Harry O., a representative and suc- cessful business man of Springfield, has spent his eutire life in that city, where he was boru in June, 1860. The enterprise, known as the Capital Planing Mill, of which he is now the head, was started by his father, Thomas A. Mc- Grue, in 1876, and has had a steady and con- tinuous growth since that time. Thomas A. McGrue was born In Ohlo, and in youth learned the trade of carpenter. In June, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary Cummins, who passed away in November, 1866. Mr. McGrue became a resident of Springfield in 1856, where he died in 1890.

The education of Harry O. McGrue was ac-

quired iu the public schools of his uative city, and at au early age he left school to assist his father iu business, and attended night school for some years later. He learned the full de- tails of the enterprise by practical experience, aud at his father's death succeeded to the busi- uess. The Planing Mill is equipped with high- grade machinery of· late pattern, aud is pre- pared to furulsh a complete line of inside aud outside builders' finishing material. It now occupies a two-story plaut, 90x157 feet at Ninth aud Adams Streets, where about fifty meu are employed throughout the entire year. The pro- duct is shipped to different parts of central Illi- nois, and supplies au excelleut trade in Sanga- mon County. Mr. McGrue is well fitted for the struggle engeudered by competitiou, and is al- ways wide awake and ready to take advantage of his opportunities. The business has beeu couducted for the past thirty years at the pres- ent locatiou, but on account of the growing busi- ness and crowded condition, Mr. McGrue is now completiug a uew mill, with increased capacity and additional space. The building and ground occupy an entire block of property in Harvard Park, from Seventh to Eighth Street on Prince- tou Avenue. This will enable him to handle a greater volume of business and larger contracts to much better advantage.

Mr. McGrue was married, in 1881, to Julia G., daughter of Willlam and Hattie (Morse) Church, a native of Springfield, where she was reared. Mrs. McGrue passed away October 30, 1911. By this marriage five children were born : Edna A. (widow of Edward B. Greene), now residing at home; Harry R., who died Novem- ber 4, 1911; Robert, James and William.

Mr. McGrue is prominent In political circles in Springfield, and Is a stanch Republican in his views. He served twelve years as alderman from the Fifth ward, and was true to the inter- ests of the city.

He is a member of Springfield Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and Springfield Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Elwood Commandery, K. T., No. 6. He also belongs to Capital Lodge No. 14, K. P., and Sangamon Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F.

The family reslde at 822 East Capitol Avenue.

McGRUE, Oliver, a prominent citizen of Spring- field and a veteran of the Civil War, is still ac- tively engaged iu working at his trade of car- Denter. though rather advanced in years. Mr. McGrue is a member of a family that has been prominent in Ohlo for many generations, and his paternal grandfather, who was a soldier in the Mexican War, was a native of Ohio and died on his farm in that State, at the age of eighty years. Mr. McGrue was born In Cler- mont .County, Ohio, October 30, 1833, son of An- drew and Mary (Ollver) McGrue, the former a preacher, who died when his son Oliver was but six months old. His wldow, a native of New Jersey, had come to Ohio when sixteen years of age, and after the death of Mr. McGrue she marrled (second) Adam Bowlby, and they lived

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ill Williams County, Ohio, then a wilerness, where a scant education was received by Oliver McGrue.

When eighteen years of age Oliver McGrue ieft the home of his mother and step-father and went to Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of carpenter, being a resident of Ohio until 1886. He then moved to Independence, Kan., lived there three years and in 1889 moved to Springfield, which has since been his home, and there lie has continued working at his trade.

Mr. McGrue enlisted, in February, 1862, at Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, in Company F, Fifty-ninth Ohio Infantry and after serving but part of his term of enlistment was sent home on account of sickness. He was afterward sent to Camp Dennison and worked there as car- penter until the close of the war. After leaving the army he resumed work at his trade, and since 1892 has been employed at the Vredenburg Planing Mill, at Springfield. He has been fairly successful in financial affairs, has accumulated some property and his wants are well provided for. He is a member of the Campbellite Church and was formerly a Democrat, but now is In- dependent In politics. He served several years as Councilman while living in Ohio.

Mr. McGrue was married in Batavla, Ohio, March 17, 1859, to Miss Missouri L. Hopkins, a native of Batavia, born September 21. 1840. She is a daughter of Benjamin R. and Mary J. (Deagler) Hopkins, both natives of Virginia, who moved to Ohio hy wagon at an early day. The family was an old one in Virginia, well known and highly respected there. Mr. Hopkins became a pork packer and both he and his wife died in Clermont County, Ohio, he at the age of eighty-seven and his wife at the age of ninety- two years. The father of Mr. Hopkins spent his entire life in Virginia and the father of his wife, also a native of Virginia, owned a ship and was drowned in a storm at sea. Five children were horn to Oliver McGrue and his wife, of whom two survive, namely : Nellie B., born in Batavia, Ohio, October 27, 1862, now Mrs. Albert P. Lyon of Springfield; Percy Oliver, born in Batavia, August 12, 1876, a telegraph operator in the Capitol Building at Springfield ; Harry C., born in December, 1864, deceased ; Dale Owen, born in Ohio, July 21. 1874, died In Springfield October 25, 1886; Wil- llam A. born in Ohio, December 17, 1860, died August 17, 1861.

The second oldest child of Mr. McCrue, his only daughter, Nellie B., married (first) Frank W. Markley, of Hamilton Connty, Ohio, where he worked at photography, and there he died, leaving one daughter, Irene B., born In Hamil- ton Connty, June 15, 1881, who married Charles S. Adams, of Galesburg, Ill., employed in the office of Mr. Lyon in his transfer business, in Springfield, and they have no children. Mrs. Markley married (second) Albert P. Lyon, owner of the largest transfer and bus line in Springfield, and has no children by her second marriage. Percy Oliver McGrue married Elsie

O'Neil, of Jacksonville, Ill., and they have no children. Harry C. MIcGrue was at one time employed in the Commercial Bank, at Independ- ence, Kan., and after working there six years resigned and started a bank in Colfax, Wash. He took a severe cold while skating and this, affecting his throat and afterwards his lungs, caused his death, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, after he had started for home. Dale Owen McGrue left a widow and one child, having been married to Lizzie Pitzer, of Athens, Ill., now a resident of Springfield, and their daughter Helen was born in. Athens.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 101

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774