My Genealogy Hound

F. T. FALLON, grain dealer of Du Quoin, was born in Pinckneyville, Perry County, on the 22d of April, 1860, and in the community where his entire life has been spent is widely and favorably known. His father, Robert Fallon, was a native of Ireland, born in 1808, and he came to this country with his parents when a lad of eight years, the family locating in Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. In 1844 he came to the west to try his fortune on the broad prairies of Illinois, and took up his residence at old Du Quoin. By trade he was a blacksmith, but later engaged in farming near Pinckneyville. He entered the army during the Civil War as a veterinary surgeon of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Later in life he engaged in the milling business. His death occurred in 1880, at the age of seventy-two years. He married Rebecca Flora, a native of Pennsylvania, and she still survives him, living in Du Quoin, at the age of seventy-five.

Our subject was the youngest in a family of eleven children, having seven brothers and three sisters, of whom four brothers and two sisters are yet living. R. V. is a merchant of Pinckneyville; W. F., who was a Captain in the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and lost his health during his service, is now living in Du Quoin; D. C., who follows farming near Pinckneyville, was one of the boys in blue of Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, and was taken prisoner; George T., who served his country as a member of the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, was taken prisoner; he lost his health in the service, and died from the effects of his army life in 1877; and W. H., a physician, went to Kansas and later to Colorado, where he died in 1888.

We now take up the personal history of F. T. Fallon, who acquired his education in the common schools, and when it was completed, became interested with his father and brother in the milling business. In 1882 he became connected with Halliday Brothers at their salt works in St. John, and for three years was employed in their store at that place. He then went upon the road, traveling in their interest for seven years, or until February, 1882, when he bought the mill and elevator at Du Quoin, succeeding P. N. Pope, who had established the business more than a quarter of a century before.

In 1888 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fallon and Miss Minnie E. Bowman, who was the youngest of five sisters. Her father, Andrew Bowman, was formerly a leading merchant of Tamaroa, but died during the early childhood of Mrs. Fallon. She is a most charming and estimable lady, and has many friends throughout the community. One son graces their union, Bernard Bowman, a bright little fellow of four years.

Mr. Fallon is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is now serving as Prelate and Vice-Chancellor. He is also connected with the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a stanch Republican. He is one of the most pleasant and popular young business men of southern Illinois, and few of the younger citizens of Du Quoin are more widely or favorably known than he.