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DESOUZA, MANUEL (deceased). - Springfield has had representatives from almost every part of the world among its population, and the city has proven a happy home for those who sought here what they could not find in their native lands, freedom to earn a comfortable living and to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. The late Manuel DeSouza came from the Island of Madeira, where he was born November 2, 1840, being a son of Frank and Rosa Ann DeSouza, natives of that island, where the father was a stock farmer.
Manuel DeSouza was adopted by an aunt, Mrs. Mary DeFrates, when he was two years old, and by her was brought to Springfield. He attended school there, and afterwards learned the machinist trade, at which he worked during the remainder of his life, becoming very expert and commanding high prices for his services. Mr. DeSouza passed away August 22, 1906, having lived in Springfield for sixty-eight years. During this time he served the Republican party as Alderman from his ward, and was Supervisor more than once. He was made Superintendent of the Water Works, and in this capacity his skill as a machinist came into good play, so that he was able to render most efficient service to the city. For many years he took an active part as a Mason, and Odd Fellow and member of the A.O.U.W., of Springfield. The Presbyterian Church of this city held his membership, and he died firm in the faith of that denomination.
Mr. DeSouza was married in Springfield, March 26, 1860, to Charlotte Roderick, born in 1841, on the Island of Madeira. Her father died July 16, 1911, the mother also being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. DeSouza had the following children: Frank, born December 23, 1866; Joseph, born November 11, 1868; Lottie, born May 27, 1871; Louis, born May 11, 1878; Rose, born July 26, 1880, and Ruth, born April 9, 1882. Mrs. DeSouza owns her residence at No. 1205 East Jefferson Street. The family has been active in many movements and its individual members enjoy the confidence of all with whom they are brought in contact. Mr. DeSouza was a public-spirited man, and contributed both time and money to secure improvements in the city. He believed in its future and was taken away in the midst of a busy, happy life, when he still had much to live for. He left a fine family that is held in high esteem. Mrs. DeSouza has eight grandchildren all living in this city. She has a son and daughter at home. She has lived forty-one years in her present home. Mr. DeSouza worked at Abraham Lincoln's house for several months and was there when the later was elected President. He always ate at the table with Mr. Lincoln.