Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1142:

CONNELLY, TERRENCE - Ireland has sent to this country some of her best sons and these men make excellent citizens and never lack for friends. Some of the most popular men of Springfield are those who owe their birth to the Emerald Isle, and one of these is Terrence Connelly, residing on Rochester Road. He was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in August 1848, a son of William and Margaret (McShirey) Connelly, both of Ireland. The parents never emigrated, rounding out their lives in Ireland, where they were farming people. They had three sons and two daughters, but Terrence is the only survivor.

Terrence Connelly was educated in Ireland and during his boyhood worked on the farm. As a young man he sailed from Queenstown to Quebec, whence he went, a short time later to Montreal, and there spent several years. He then came to Chicago, but two years later came on to Springfield, arriving in 1865. Immediately he found employment with Hunter & McNeill, cattle dealers, continuing with them for three years. He then became coachman for former Governor Matteson, following which he traveled through the country selling dry-goods. After four years of this be began farming, but still later engaged in work at the St. Nicholas Hotel. For some time he was in the Springfield woolen mills, and following this was an employee at the State House for two years. Fourteen years ago, he came to live in his present house on the edge of Springfield, surrounded by five acres of land, and is now engaged in gardening.

In August, 1875, Mr. Connelly was married in Springfield to Miss Ann Conlon, born in County Mayo, Ireland, where her parents lived and died, although her brother Peter is now a resident of Springfield. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Connelly: William enlisted during the Spanish-American War and served in the Philippines; John resides in Champaign County, Ill., where he farms; Louis is in the employ of the John Bressmer Company; Mamie married Arthur Sherdon, of Champaign, and the rest are deceased. Mr. Connelly is a Democrat. He is a devout Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Patrick's parish. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has been connected with Liberty Camp for twenty years. His land is very valuable and he takes great satisfaction in it and the magnificent vegetables he raises there. After so many years of changes, he takes pride and satisfaction in his permanent home.