My Genealogy Hound

HUGH McMULLEN. Perhaps there is no station in life in which difficulties have not to be encountered and overcome before any decided measure of success can be attained. Especially is this true of those who, born of humble parentage, have in youth few opportunities for acquiring an education and of gaining that training which so largely promotes success. Although upon starting out in the business world the subject of this sketch had no capital other than his own abilities, he has achieved material success and at the same time has gained a high place in the regard of his fellow-men. He is now one of the influential citizens of St. Joseph, where he is engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages and buggies, and also conducts a general business as a blacksmith.

A native of Ireland, our subject was born in County Down August 12, 1836, and is a son of Robert and Jane (Smith) McMullen, natives of the Emerald Isle. He passed his schooldays in his native county, aiding his father on the home farm, and meantime receiving the advantages of a common-school education. Upon leaving the farm, he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and upon the completion of his apprenticeship, having heard often of the many advantages offered by the United States, he determined to emigrate to this country. Setting sail from Ireland, he landed at Castle Garden, New York City, in 1870, and spent one year in New York, after which he went to New Lebanon, the same State, and thence came to St. Joseph.

In this city Mr. McMullen opened a blacksmith shop and commenced in business on a very modest scale. As his capital increased, he enlarged his business, and after a time added the manufacture of wagons, carriages and buggies. He now has a large shop, well equipped with all the conveniences for conducting an extensive business and containing the latest improved machinery. His friends are as many as his acquaintances and he has the confidence of his business associates as well as of his personal friends. His close attention to business and his strict honor and integrity have gained for him the respect and esteem of all who know him.

As his investments were crowned with success and his business ventures proved fortunate, Mr. McMullen was enabled to surround his family with all the comforts of life, and his elegant residence, which is located near his place of business, is an ideal home, the exterior and interior reflecting the cultured tastes of the inmates. He married, in 1879, Miss Carrie, daughter of Joshua Hunt, of Paw Paw, Mich. In his social affiliations, Mr. McMullen has identified himself with Lodge No. 119, I. O. O. F., in which he is an influential member.