My Genealogy Hound

William W. Cronin, of the firm of Cronin Bros., dealers in general hardware and agricultural implements, was born in Colchester, Conn., February 14, 1855, being the son of Daniel and Catherine (O’Niel) Cronin, both natives of Fermoyle Parish, County Kerry, Ireland, and come of old Irish stock in that locality. They were married in their native county, and in 1852 left the land of their birth and immigrated to America. They settled at Colchester, and here the father passed an active and useful life. He died the 4th of November, 1888, at the ripe old age of eighty-six. His son, William W. Cronin, attained his growth in Connecticut, and completed a thorough knowledge of plumbing and tin-smithing, and carried on journeyman work until 1882, when he and his brother D. W. opened the first hardware store in Texas County, at Houston, and they still carry on that branch. In 1883 they opened another store at Cabool, which they have since continued with great success. At White Hall, Greene Co., Ill., Mr. Cronin married Miss Mary Kendall, daughter of Nat Kendall, a farmer of that place, and a native of Maine. To Mr. and Mrs. Cronin were born two children, a son and daughter: Annie and Jeremiah. Mr. Cronin is a member of the Roman Catholic faith, served as president of the school board for three years, was one of the original incorporators of Cabool, and served as village trustee. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is a K. of L.