Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1434:

McCORMACK, JOHN - Many of the bravest soldiers of the Civil War, when the struggle was over, went to farming, and spent the remainder of their useful lives engaged in tilling the soil and reaping crops from the fertile acres their thrift had accumulated. One of the men who for years was thus engaged, and whose war record shows that he was a brave soldier, is John McCormack, of Springfield. He was born in Ireland, June 22, 1839, a son of Michael and Margaret (Connelly) McCormack, natives of Ireland. The father was a merchant, who moved from Ireland to Montreal, Canada, and there spent the remainder of his life.

John McCormack went to West Virginia upon his arrival in this county from Ireland, where he had grown up as any country boy. He served in the First West Virginia Cavalry for three years, participating in the hard fought battles of Winchester, Gettysburg, and Harper's Ferry, as well as others of less importance, and being mustered out in 1865. Following his return home, he decided to seek new surroundings in a western State, selecting Illinois as his objective point. Locating in Sangamon County, he developed a fine farm, and in conjunction with his farming conducted a blacksmith shop. Finally he retired, coming to Springfield, where he is now living, retired from active pursuits.

On April 20, 1865, Mr. McCormack was united in marriage at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Johanna Hefferman, born in Ireland. Three children were born to them, namely: Margaret, born in 1868; Joseph H., born in 1872, and Jennie, born in 1882. Mr. McCormack is a Republican, but other than doing his duty as a good citizen, has never participated in public matters. He belongs to the Western Catholic Union and to Stephenson Post, G. A. R., of Springfield. His religious faith is Catholic. For years Mr. McCormack as been recognized as one of the substantial men of Sangamon County, and he has many friends who appreciate his worth.