My Genealogy Hound

PROF. JAMES F. GALLAGHER has been for over seventeen years identified with the educational matters of the city of Allentown as one of its most earnest, intelligent and progressive teachers. He occupies at present the position of Principal of the Sixth Ward School, and by honest and faithful work is giving entire satisfaction to all concerned.

A native of this state, our subject was born in Hazleton, Luzerne County, March 17, 1856, to James and Bridget (Doris) Gallagher, natives of County Donegal, Ireland. The parents set sail for America in 1850, and after remaining in New York for two years came to this state, where the father engaged m the hotel business at Hazleton. The maternal grandparents of our subject were born in County Donegal, Ireland.

James F., of this sketch, received a good education in the public schools of his native place, and after the removal of his parents to this city in 1870 took a course of study in the Allentown schools. When reaching his nineteenth year, being fully competent to teach, he was given a position in the Sixth Ward School, having charge of the second grade. After the creation of the principalship he was called upon to fill that position, which he has done in such a creditable manner as to be his own successor for the past five years.

In 1883 Professor Gallagher was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the Sixth Ward in the Select Council of Allentown, and on the expiration of his term was unanimously re-elected, and again elected for a third term. He was a member of the Board of Water Commissioners of the city during the years 1890-91-92, and during his last term filled the office of President of the board. The Professor has twice been a candidate for the Mayoralty before the Democratic Convention, but each time was defeated by a small majority. He has always taken a leading part in local matters, and is thoroughly posted in the issues of the hour. He has done much to promote the standard of scholarship in the Sixth Ward, and in every enterprise which he gives his support he maintains a deep and unwavering interest.

Early in life Professor Gallagher began the study of law, but was obliged to abandon his chosen profession on account of his eyes, not being able to stand the strain to which they were subjected. In 1880 our subject began his studies as a druggist, devoting every spare moment to his books, and in 1887 was registered as a practicing pharmacist under the state laws.