My Genealogy Hound

LONRAGAN, WILLIAM, farmer, Sec. 18, P.O. Greenfield. Among the representatives of this county that are self-made, there are some that hail from the Emerald Isle. Prominent among them is William Lonragan, who left the home of his father at the age of thirteen and came to this country, and settled in this county; and has, by patient industry, and an adherence to the principles of honesty and integrity, secured for himself a home and the esteem and confidence of those with whom he has associated. He was born in Tipperary, in the year 1839. His father strenuously opposed his coming, but seeing that he was “bent” in that direction, finally gave his consent, and his parting blessing, which was to always adhere strictly to the principles of honesty. When he arrived in this country he at once set to work with a will to make something out of himself. Landing at New York he went to Pennsylvania, where he hired out at six dollars per month, remaining in that locality about two years. From here he went to Syracuse, then to Victor, N. Y.; then to Dubuque, Iowa, then to Canada, St. Louis, New Orleans, and several other points, finally settling down in this county, and working for John Rhodes, a prominent farmer, and well known to all, and staid with him about six years. In the Spring of 1862 enlisted in Company “K,” 91st Regiment of Illinois State Volunteers, where he served until the termination of the war receiving an honorable discharge, and it may be said of him, that he was a true and valiant soldier, always at the front, and never shirked duty. He was mustered out in July, 1865, and upon his return to peaceable pursuits, engaged to work for his old employer, John Rhodes; worked for Jesse Roberts, and others, and subsequently farmed on his own account, renting land of Mr. Rhodes, in which he was successful, clearing in one year $800. He then attended school one term, then rented land of Thomas Robinson for three years, keeping “bach” a large portion of the time. This becoming too serious, he thought the better plan would be to secure a housekeeper of his own, and accordingly wooed and won the hand of Julia Baker, a native of Old Virginia, born September 8, 1848, their marriage being celebrated April 6, 1875; they have no issue. A short time previous to his marriage he had bought 120 acres of land formerly owned by F. A. Woodman. He has since farmed it, and in connection with this he runs a steam thresher, of which he is sole proprietor. He is of the Republican faith, but takes little interest in politics, voting for men rather than party.