My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MADDEN.
John Madden, one of the progressive and enterprising retail grocers of Topeka, whose completely equipped grocery and market is situated on the corner of 12th street and Kansas avenue, is a citizen whose business success, has been attained through upright methods and persistent efforts. Mr. Madden was born July 20, 1867, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is a son of Simeon and Lucy (Corder) Madden.

The Madden family has been established in Virginia for generations. On the maternal side it is more recently English. The father of Mr. Madden was born January 7, 1841, and the mother, December 5, 1845. The latter died in August, 1899. They had three children, viz.: John, the subject of this sketch; Milton, a missionary to Japan; and Mrs. Miriam Timmons, of Topeka.

Mr. Madden was reared on a farm although his birth took place in town, and thus his education was secured in the country schools. Later he took a business course at Sedalia, Missouri, and was only 17 years old when he was operating a farm on his own account. In 1887 he came to Kansas and bought a farm in Wabaunsee County, a partially improved tract of 160 acres. He remained on this property, erecting buildings and otherwise improving it until 1902, when he removed to Topeka. He purchased his present business of his father and has successfully conducted it ever since, the father having retired after an honorable business career in this city of more than 15 years. Our subject retains the farm, having it under rental, but gives his attention to his large commercial interests. When he first came to Topeka he was offered a position in the Santa Fe general offices, of the Atchison, Topeka& Santa Fe Railway Company, but he preferred an independent business of his own. His establishment ranks with the leading houses of its kind and he gives his personal attention to the selection of choice, varied and seasonable goods.

Mr. Madden was married at Paxico, Kansas, to Christina Finny, a lady whose American ancestors were established in this country before the Revolutionary War. They have four sons, whose ages range from 14 to seven years, viz.: Milton, Edgar, Paul and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Madden are members of the Euclid Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Milton Madden, our subject’s brother, who is a missionary to Japan, was educated in the public schools and later was graduated from the Topeka Business College. From there he entered Bethany College, West Virginia, and after four years of preparation was selected by the First Christian Church of Topeka, as missionary, and with his family is located at Sendai, Japan. He married Maud Whitmore and they have three children: Harvey, Elma and Garfield.