My Genealogy Hound

MADDEN, JOSEPH, harness maker, Greenfield, was born in Birmingham, Eng., Oct. 26, 1844; two years later, emigrated to this country with James and Susan Madden, his parents, landing in New Orleans, where they remained about one year; then to St. Louis, where they located permanently. The first work he remembers doing was driving cart at six dollars per month. In 1859, went to learn the harness maker’s trade with J. B. Sickles; remained with him until completed. We next find him in Cincinnati in Aug., 1861, remaining there until June, 1863. Then went to Nashville, and was in the employ of the government, continuing until July, 1865. Returning to St. Louis, associated in the harness business with C. C. and H. M. Long; subsequently sold his interest to Burns, Degnar & Dunn; then returned to the old firm of J. B. Sickles, remaining until April, 1866; then went to St. Charles, remaining a short time; then returning to St. Louis, remaining until Sept. 1866, when he went to Carrollton, Ill., and worked for Lawrence Retzer until Nov.; came to Greenfield, and worked for T. W. Wilson nearly three years. Was united in marriage, Oct. 26, 1870, to A. J. Wylder, born July, 1845; she is a daughter of W. H. Wylder; had one child, Henry T., born Oct. 2, 1870. Same year engaged in business for himself, on southwest corner of Square, and has since remained; began first in a small way, doing his own work; has now a good business, and keeps two hands constantly employed. Is the owner of Nellie Madden, the trotter.