My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. MARA, who for many years has held the responsible position of Chief Clerk in the office of the Superintendent of the Missouri Pacific Railway, was born in Canada, July 7, 1857. His paternal ancestors were of Irish birth, while on his mother’s side he traces his lineage to England. He is the son of Thomas and Alice (Bridges) Mara, natives, respectively, of Dublin, Ireland, and England, who were married in the first-named place, and soon afterward emigrated to Canada. About 1859 they came to Jefferson City, Mo., where the father secured a position as assistant road master on the Missouri Pacific Railway. Later he was transferred to Lexington, this state, and was promoted to be road-master. From that place he went to Syracuse, as roadmaster of the Middle Division. While making his home in the latter town, he died in Kansas City, in May, 1885. His widow still resides in Syracuse.

The parental family consisted of four children, of whom James H. is the only son and the eldest child. He was reared principally in Syracuse, Mo., where he attended the high school, under the tutelage of Prof. Robideau Allison. At the age of fourteen he learned telegraphy in the office of the Missouri Pacific agent at Syracuse, and in November, 1871, accepted a position as night operator in Washington, this state. Later he was substitute operator over the entire Missouri Pacific Railway. In 1873 he became day operator at Tipton, Mo., where he remained for three years. He was then transferred to Kansas City, where for a year he was day operator and for eight years chief clerk to Superintendent Hale. From that city he went to Atchison, Kan., as chief clerk to Superintendent W. W. Fagan, remaining in that capacity for eighteen months. In January, 1886, he came to Sedalia as chief clerk to Superintendent E. K. Sibley, and remained with his successor, having filled the position since that time. There are six clerks under him, and his position is one of great responsibility and trust.

In Kansas City, Mo., in March, 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mara and Miss Lizzie Reeves, daughter of W. E. Reeves, who fills the position of agent for lost cars on the Missouri Pacific at Kansas City. One child blesses their union, a son named Thomas Reeves. Mrs. Mara was born in Quincy, Ill., and received an excellent education in Kansas, her intelligence and accomplishments fitting her to adorn the most cultured circles of society. In religious belief she is an Episcopalian.

Though not active in politics, Mr. Mara is a stanch Democrat, and the party in Sedalia has no supporter more steadfast and loyal than he. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Sedalia Lodge No. 18, of which he is Secretary. He is also Recorder of St. Omer Commandery No. II, K. T., and is connected with the Ararat Shrine at Kansas City. In addition to these orders, he is also a member of Sedalia Lodge No. 125, B. P. O. E., and is Commander of Sedalia Council No. 1239. His course throughout his entire business career has been such as to commend him to the superior officials of the road and to everyone with whom he is brought in contact, and he holds a high place in the regard of the people of Sedalia.