Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 94

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 94

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Mr. Mahoney is a son of the late Thomas Mahoney, horn in Ireland, who came to the United States in young manbood. Landing in New York City, he came direct from there to Springfield and helped in building the Wabash Railroad and the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Locating in Springfield, he was connected with railroad work until his death, in 1905. He mar- ried Johanna Lynch, born in Ireland, who came to Litchfield, Ill., where she lived until her marriage. There were nine children in the family, six of whom survive: Delia. Mrs. J. M. Anderson, of St. Louis; Mary, Ella, Edward ; Agnes, Mrs. N. E. Mann, deceased ; Thomas, of Streator, married Effie Stieff; James A .; and two died in infancy, Margaret and Ellen.

Mr. Mahoney was married In Springfield. June 21, 1908, to Florence Courtney, of Waverly, Ill., daughter of Carl C. Courtney. Mr and Mrs. Mahoney are members of the Church of the Im- maculate Conception. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and fraternally he helongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is an energetic, responsible young man, whose ambitions have always guided him to strive for higher places, and he has never failed to meet the expectations of his employers.

MAHR, John (deceased) .- The late Henry Mahr, who was a prominent farmer of Cotton

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Hill Township, Sangamon County, left an hon- orable record as a citizen, aud had a number of friends who sincerely mourned his ioss. He endeavored to do his full duty in every reia- tion of life and was well known as a man of industry and integrity. He was a native of Germany, born November 11, 1845, a son of John Mahr and wife, who spent their entire lives in his and their native land. After re- ceiving an education, he followed the usual custom of his country and began learning a trade. He became an expert carpenter and worked at this trade until coming to America in 1871. He continued at his former occupation after reaching the United States, spending the first twelve years in Connecticut. About 1883 he came to Sangamon County, having decided to engage in farming, and purchased thirty- five acres of land in Section S, Cotton Hill Township, which is now the property of his widow. He improved his farm in various ways and operated it the remainder of his life. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Mahr was married in Connecticut, April 12, 1887, to Minnie Garlo, a native of Germany, born August 10, 1856, daughter of August and Elizabeth Garlo. She was brought to America by her parents, who eventually settled in San- gamon County and engaged in farming, and both are now deceased. They had five daugh- ters and one son, all of whom still survive. Six children were born to Mr. Mahr and wife, all of whom survive, namely : Ida, the oldest, wife of Herman Koontz, a farmer of Cooper Town- ship; Louis, Henry, Elizabeth, Lena and Mary, ali at home. Mrs. Mahr is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mahr died February 1, 1907, and his widow has since then devoted her time and attention to the care of her children and the management of the farm, in which tasks she has proven herself a good mother and an excellent business woman.

MAISEL, John, now living retired from ac- tive life in Springfield, Ill., is one of that city's useful and well-known German-American citi- zens. Mr. Maisel has lived since 1881 at 1301 Monument Avenue and has been retired for sev- eral years. He was born in Bavaria, July 13, 1846, son of George and Margaret (Mulceor) Maisel, both natives of Germany, the latter born in 1809. The father was a farmer and he and his wife spent their entire lives in Germany. They were parents of five children, of whom one survives besides John, Margaret, wife of John Giass, a shoemaker living at College and Edwards Streets, Springfield. John Maisel was reared on a farm and worked for his father un- til he was eighteen years old, receiving his edu- cation in subscription schools. He then learned the trade of stone-cutter, at which he worked seven years.

In 1870 John Maisel set sail for the United States, landing in New York in June. He came direct to Springfield, Ill., and worked a short

time at gardening, then entered the employ of George M. Brinkerhof, for whom he drove a team thirty-five years. He then worked two years for the Oak Ridge Cemetery Compauy. He lived for a time on Reynolds Street, moved from there to Elliott Avenue, and then located at his present home, where he has lived thirty years. He is a member of the Germau Lutherau Church and in politics is a Republican. He is a man of friendly disposition and genial manner and has many acquaintances and friends. He be- iongs to Capital Tent No. 1, Knights of The Maccabees.

Mr. Maisel was married, iu Springfield, May 11, 1876, to Miss Amelia R. Zimmer, who was born April 29, 1851, daughter of Peter and Rosa Zimmer. The mother died when Mrs. Maisel was but two weeks old. Her parents had ten children of whom three are living, those besides Mrs. Maisel being: Rosa, Mrs. Harrison, of Nebraska, and Charies, living on a farm north- west of Springfield. Eleven children were born to Mr. Maisel and his wife, of whom the fol- lowing survive: George, a teamster; Lizzie, married Max Ahnert, a fiorist of Springfield ; Carrie, married W. S. Dwyer, a polisher for Racine-Sattley Company ; Mary, wife of Arthur Hirschle, a druggist at Sixth and Monroe Streets; Charles, a cigar-maker employed at the Julius Master factory at Ninth and Wash- ington Streets; Fred, and William, employed at the Illinois Watch Company factory. Mr. Maisel and his wife have two grandchildren, Ruth Maisel, born in 1901, and Hilda Maisel, born in 1906.

MAISENBACHER, John Fred .- German stock has furnished a great bulk of immigration to America, and owing to their family kinship with us, they have been readily assimllated. These immigrants possess unusual economic virtues that lend themselves readily to merging into the American stock. We need their labor, their economic endowments of industry, thrift and skill, and it is safe to say that without them this land never would have developed as it has. Their children, born with the parents' virtues and fostered and expanded under more favorable conditions, are to be found occupying positions of trust and responsibility in both public and business life. One of the essentially self-made men of Springfield, and one who is an excellent exponent of the second generation of German-Americans, is John .Fred Maisen- bacher, born in that city, March 18, 1858, a son of Mathias and Margarette (Myers) Maisen- bacher, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. After marriage the parents came to the United States, in 1848, landing in Philadelphia. From there they came that same year to Springfield, and there the father obtained employment in the railroad shops of the Wabash Company, continuing thus for twenty-three years. He then embarked in business for himself, but later retired, dying in 1884, while his widow survived him until 1903. There were ten children in the

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family, six sons and four daughters, of whom four sons and one daughter are now living. The father was a Democrat and a German Lutheran.

When he was only fonrteen years old John F. Maisenbacher left the Fourth Ward School he had been attending, to work as a barber, but later entered the watch factory, which has given employment to so many young men. After eleven years spent in this line of work, he em- barked in his present enterprise in 1883, and has since then built np a large trade.

On April 16, 1877, Mr. Maisenbacher was married in Springfield, to Pauline Girard, born in Pittsburg, Pa., danghter of Clements and Anna (Jaqueth) Girard, natives of France. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Maisen- bacber, six survive: Joseph F., of Lancaster, Pa .; Charles F., with the Springfield Watch Company; Mary, who was a music teacher, married Frank Mueller, of Springfield; Leon is with his fatber in business; Edward, of Lan- caster, Pa .; and Voltairine, nnmarried and at bome, is a music teacher and art teacher. Mr. Maisenbacher is a Democrat hut bas never had any aspirations towards public office. He was a charter member of the S. K. of A. In relig- ious views he is very liberal, believing in per- fect freedom for all in these matters. He is perbaps the best type of the progressive Ger- man of today that is to be found in Springfield, and can always be counted upon to give of his time and means to furtber any object calculated to prove of general benefit.

MAJOR, George .- So many of the veterans of the Civil War bave passed over to the other side to answer to the last roll call, that those surviving are heid in special veneration by tbose who now enjoy the results of the patriotism of "The Boys in Blue." Nowhere do these relicts of a great struggle enjoy more honor than in Sangamon Connty, and among them is George Major, a farmer of Clear Lake Township, re- siding near Riverton. He was born in Chester County, Pa .. December 7, 1827, being a son of William and Catherine (Grubb) Major, natives of Montgomery County, Pa.

In 1860, George Major came to Sangamon County, and soon thereafter sent for his father and mother, who located in Clear Lake town- ship, dying there. He was very poor, arriving with but twenty-five cents in his pocket, after having walked a part of the way. Upon his ar- rival in Springfield be had the good fortune to meet a man who said that his name was Todd, and that he was the father-in-law of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Todd was very kind, giving Mr. Major employment in his mill, and paying him the first wages he earned in Sangamon Connty. Later he was employed in a mill at Osbernville, and also at the old Hickox Mill in Springfield, while just previous to the outbreak of the war, he was condneting a mill on the river near bis present home. In close sympatby with the Union cause, Mr. Major felt that his place was at the front, enlisting in 1862, in Company C,

One Hundred Fourteentb Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, serving with it one year, when he was transferred to Battery A, First Illinois Artil- lery. After he had served with the iatter or- ganization a year, it was captured, and he was transferred back to his old regiment. Being taken sick, he was in Jefferson hospital for eight months, then was placed on gnard duty. Among other engagements, he participated in the Siege oť Vicksburg and Battle of Corinth, as well as many others of importance. He was a gunner in the battery and Corporai in the infantry, and was mustered out at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in 1865.

At the close of the war Mr. Major returned home and resumed milling, thus continuing about three years, when he purchased a farm of sixty acres, since which time he has been a farmer and a buyer and shipper of cattle and hogs. His farm now consists of eighty acres, which is in excellent condition, and he has re- fnsed fancy prices for it. Some of this land is comprised in the original entry made by bim soon after coming to the county, and its re- markable increase in value is largely due to bis work upon it. In addition to his farm he owns several lots in Riverton.

Mr. Major was married in Springfield, in 1868, to Phoebe (Boyd) Major, she having mar- ried brothers, the first of whom died in Ander- sonvilie Prison. She was born in Indiana and her parents went to Kansas and died there. Sbe was the widow of Mr. Major's brother at the time of her marriage to him. By her first marriage Mrs. Major had one son, Har- vey Major, who now is operating the farm for his step-father. By the second marriage of Mrs. Major there were three children : Carrie, wife of James Hoyland of Danville; Jessie at home, and Lnla, wife of Lollard Pem- berton, of Riverton.

In politics Mr. Major is a Democrat. He re- members Abraham Lincoln very weli, and often conversed with him. While advanced in years, tbis energetic farmer takes an active interest in local affairs, superintends his farm, and over- sees his business matters. Having done his full duty, both as a soldier and a private citizen, and baving been an excellent son, a kind bus- band and devoted fatber, he realizes that he has ronnded out a successful life, and is content with what he has accomplisbed.

MALONEY, Jerry James, a successful merchant of Springfield, is a native of the city and beiongs to a family that has been prominent in Sanga- mon County for many years. He was born March 30, 1879, and is a son of William and Mary Elizabeth (McGillick) Maloney, the former born in Troy, N. Y., December 28, 1852, and the latter in Ireland, December 17, 1853. William Maloney was for ten years connected with the County Sheriff's office, and served ten years as Chief of Police of Springfield. He was a well- known and influential citizen and had many warm personal friends. His death occurred in

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Springfield, March 21, 1909, and his loss was genuinely mourned by all who knew him.

The boyhood of Jerry J. Maloney was speut in Springfield and he attended St. Mary's School. He learned the trade of wood worker, which he followed for some years, and later engaged in business on his own account. He is a man of good judgment and business ability and has met with gratifying success. He has a reputa- tion for honest business methods and fair and stralghtforward dealiugs.

MALONEY, John Douglas .- The agricultural Interests of Illinois are represented by meu whose progressive ideas and advanced methods have placed them in the front rank and helped to make the State of Illinois the best in the Union. What is true of the State in this re- gard, holds good in Sangamon County, the center of the Great Corn Belt of the World, and among the men who have there attalned an envlable success is John Douglas Maloney, who resides on Section 11 of Woodside Township. He was born in Morgau County, Ill., June 2, 1861, a son of John and Catherine (Ryan) Ma- loney, both natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, who emigrated to America, landing in New York, whence they came to Morgan County. A few years later they removed to Logan County, and both died in Lincoln, the father In 1869, and the mother in 1871. They were pareuts of sev- eral children, of whom the following survive : Jerry V. and Michael, of Llucoln; Margaret, of Springfield, and John Douglas.

The subject of this review was called upon to mourn the loss of his mother at the age of ten years, his father having died two years prior, and when left an orphan made his home with his uncle. Patrick Ryan, in Morgan County. His educational advantages were limited and his school days were spent at Little Hope School near his uncle's home. His grandparents all died in Ireland except his Grandmother Ryan, who died near Berlin, Ill. The young man was employed on the farm for his uncle until he was nineteen years of age, then decided to embark on life's voyage on his own account and "paddle his own canoe," coming to Sangamon County and finding employment near Chathanı.

In 1884, Mr. Maloney decided to give up farm- ing and embark in the arena of muercantlle life, establishing a grocery store at Chatham, which he conducted two years, then moving to Glenarm, where be established the first gro- cery and general store. However, Mr. Maloney did not like the indoor life and in February, 1888, he sold his business and again took up agricultural pursuits, In which he has since been engaged.

Mr. Maloney was married in St. Bernard's Catholic Church, at Auburn, Ill., Rev. Father Finnegan performing the ceremony, November 17. 1886, to Miss Margaret Gorey, a native of Sangamon County, boru March 22, 1867, daugh- ter of Patrick and Margaret (Casey) Gorey, both natives of Ireland. Mr. aud Mrs. Gorey

came to America at different times, and sbe first located at. Bloomington, Ill., and later came to Springfield, where they met. Their marriage occurred at the Church of the Immaculate Con- ceptlon, at Springfield, June 8, 1863, after which they moved to Mechanicsburg, thence to Auburn and fiually to Chatham, where they lived until the death of Mr. Gorey which occurred February 26, 1898. He was a farmer by occu- pation and his widow now resides with a son at Chatham. They were parents of five daughters and four sons, all horn In Sangamon Couuty, as follows : John P., Thomas J., James, William P., Margaret, Mary, Elleu, Allce and Sarah.

To Mr. and Mrs. Malouey have been born the following children : John P., boru April 4, 1888; Charles E., September 29, 1889; Leo Francis, September 3, 1891; Marguerite C., July 10, 1893; Thomas A., May 24, 1899, all umuarried and living at home. The family are devout mem- bers of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, of Spring- field. Mrs. Maloney is a member of Court No. 68, Catholic Order of Foresters and also of the Ladies' Benevolent Associatiou No. 967, and Mr. Maloney belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Ile has always stanchly supported the principles of the Democratic party In na- tional Interests, but in local affairs votes for the men and measures he believes will further the best interests of the people. He served dur- ing 1908-09, as Assessor of Woodside Township. Kindly, energetle, progressive, a good business man and a far-sighted farmer, Mr. Maloney is a mau of whom his county may well be proud. He has already accomplished much In his active life aud looks forward to doing a great deal more, for he is in the very prime of manhood. He has a most comfortable home, owns eighty acres of land In Rochester township, and be- sides this, farmis 290 acres which he rents, the latter being located in Woodshire Township. Mr. Maloney operates a diary, keeping a herd of sixteen cows, and is extensively engaged in ralsing Percheron horses,

MALONEY, William (deceased) .- In the death of William Maloney, which occurred March 21, 1909, Springfield, Ill., lost one of its prominent citizens, a man who always had the city's welfare in miud, and held various public posi- tions through a long and useful career. IIe was a native of Troy, N. Y., where his birth occurred December 27, 1852, a sou of Jeremiah and Mary (Allen) Maloney, the former a cou- tractor by occupation.

Willlam Maloney was hrought to Springfield by . his parents when hut one year old, and there the remainder of his life was speut. His education was secured In St. Mary's Catholic School, and he was reared by his parents to principles of honor and Integrity. As a youth he went to work as a brick molder, also be- coming a brick mason by trade, and these were his chief occupations in an industrial llne throughout his life. He was a Democrat in politics. Even as a young man his ability was

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recognized and at different times during his iong residence in the Capital City he served as Jailer, Turnkey, City Marshal and Chief of Poiice, displaying mnuch ability in tracking crimn- inals and preventing crime. He died in the faith of the Catholic Church, which he had at- tended all his life. In fraternai affiliations he was connected with the Woodmen and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Maloney was known throughout Springfield, and wherever known was most highly esteemed.

On May 25, 1873, Mr. Maloney was married to Mary E. McGillick, and to this union there were born seven children, as follows: Mrs. Margaret Handly, of Bloomington; Jerry, liv- ing at home with his mother; Mrs. Catherine Phillips; Mrs. Mary McGough; and Mrs. Ellen C. Murphy, all of Springfield ; William Francis, married, of Chicago; Josephine and Ethel Ma- ioney, living in Springfield. The family are all members of the Immaculate Conception Catil- olic Church, of Springfield.

MAMBACH, William, a retired tailor of Spring- field, was born in Cologne, on the Rhine River, Prussia, Germany, August 22, 1843, son of Joseph and Katrina (Hein) Mambach, natives of Germany. The father was a painter and deco- rator, and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in Germany. He served in the Franco-Prussian War. William Mambach was educated in the public schools of his native country, and after leaving school iearned the trade of taiior, which he followed from the age of fourteen years until three years ago, when he retired.

November 8, 1866, Mr. Mambach landed in New York City, and soon after located in Chi- cago, where he worked two years at his trade. He then came to Springfield and worked three years for Messrs. Weidon & Wilkinson, taiiors. after which he embarked in business for him- seif, being successful in this venture, which he carried on from 1871 until 1881. In the latter year he spent four months on a trip to his native country and on his return to Spring- field began working for B. A. Zang, with whom he remained twenty years. In 1907 he gave up his position with Mr. Zang, and is now en- joying a life of quiet and ease in his beautiful home at 1514 South Eighth Street.

Mr. Mambach is a Democrat in politics and in 1908 served as a judge at the city election. Ile is a devout Catholic and a member of Sacred Ileart Church. He was married in Springfield, November 5, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Ganther, who was born in Germany, September 5, 1839, daughter of Henry Ganther, who came to Amer- ica in 1865. Mr. Ganther died in New Jersey, in 1867. and his wife died in Germany. Mrs. Mambach died in Springfield, May 31, 1907, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery. She was a de- voted wife and mother and was mourned by many friends. Mr. Mambach and his wife were parents of six children. of whom three survive : Mary, wife of Martin Roliinger, in cement busi-

ness in Springfield ; Anna, at home; William, a carpenter. Mr. Rollinger and his wife have two children, Carlotta, born March 5, 1907, and Ronald, February 20, 1909. Mr. Mambach is well known in Springfield as an industrious man, a skiliful tailor and a good business manager, of strict honesty and integrity, and is highly esteemed by his many friends.

MANN, Henry T .- Among the names of the brave young men from Sangamon County wino responded to their country's cail when it was in dire need, occurs that of Henry T. Mann, now a farmer residing in the county, which has been his home for many years. This too brief biog- raphy will not fittingiy testify to the honor iu which he, as well as his associates in that mighty struggle, are held by their fellow coun- trymen. A gratefui government does what it can, and the people, individualiy do the rest. Veterans are everywhere shown appreciation, and wherever they are found they make good citizens. The hard lessons of discipline incui- cated in camp and on a battle fieid were not learned in vain. The returning soldiers applied them in civic life with most excellent results.

Henry T. Mann was born in Clear Lake Town- ship, December 10, 1843, a son of Christopher and Anna R. (King) Mann, natives of Ken- tucky, born in 1816 and 1827, respectively. The father was a farmer, and came to Sangamon County somewhat later than his wife, who ar- rived the year of the big snow, in 1831. They met and were married, first settling on a farm owned by them, east of Riverton but several years later moved to Mt. Pulaski.

After a boyhood spent on the farm, during which time he attended school held in the primi- tive log building in his neighborhood, Mr. Mann was forced into eariy maturity by the outbreak of the war. When still a lad, he enlisted. June 1, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Carl Hecker. The regiment went into camp at Springfield, wheuce it was sent to Chicago, and was mustered into service at Alton. After participating in sev- eral skirmishes, Mr. Mann took part in the terrible battle at Perryville. Several more skir- mishes intervened between that and the battle of Stone River, where there was a five days' fight. For the following six months the regiment was in camp, then was engaged in the bloody battie of Chickamauga, and feli back to Chat- tanooga, where breastworks were thrown up. Mr. Mann was also in the engagements at Mis- sionary Ridge and Kenesaw Mountain, at Buz- zard's Roost and Resaca. The regiment served under Generals Grant, Sherman and Thomas. Mr. Mann was finally mustered out August 17, 1864, after a long and hard service. Returning home. he began farming, and for the past thirty- two years has been at his present location, where he owns forty acres of very valuable land, de- voting it to general farming.

Mr. Mann was united in marriage at Spring- field, January 30, 1868, with Jenette Snodgrass,

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daughter of Willlam and Rachel Snodgrass. Mrs. Mann's parent's came from Indiana and Kentucky, locating in Sangamon County at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Mann became the par- ents of three children: Mrs. Albert Bashaw, whose husband engaged with the Franklin Life Insurance Company at Springfield; Marietta, wife of Crow Grubb, employed at the city water works of Springfield; Charles, employed by a telephone company. working all over the State.

In politics, Mr. Mann is a strong Republican, but has never been willing to go before the public as a candidate for office. He Is a fine man in every respect and commands the warm appreciation and firm confidence of all with whom he has been brought into contact. His pleasant home is presided over by Mrs. Mann, a charming lady, who has been her husband's in- spiratlon and efficient assistant for over forty years. The young people have grown up to be a credit to their parents, and wherever the name of Mann is found it represents solidity and up- right living.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 94

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