AMBROSE, GEORGE J., a well known citizen of Springfield, Ill., who has filled various public offices in Sangamon County, is a native of the city, born February 22, 1874, and is a son of John Ambrose and Bridget (Hickey) Ambrose, the parents both natives of Limerick, Ireland, the father born June 7, 1848, and the mother February 2, 1847. John Ambrose came to America in 1865 and located in Springfield. In his native country he had followed the trade of coal miner, but after coming to Springfield he engaged in grocery business, in 1881 locating at the corner of Nineteenth and Washington Streets, and continuing in that business until death occurred February 14, 1908. He was prominent in many circles, was a member of the Court of Honor, the Western Catholic Union and the Catholic Church, and in politics was a Democrat. When a young man he had been drafted for service in the English Navy. His widow now lives in Springfield. They were parents of five sons and one daughter; George J., the oldest; Thomas F., also of Springfield; James died in 1895; Catherine E. married Henry E. Hanselman; John was killed March 8, 1893, on the tracks of the Wabash railroad, while on his way to school, being then eight years of age; Stephen died July 5, 1899.

Mr. Ambrose received his academic training in St. Mary's School in Springfield and later took a course at Springfield Business College. Upon leaving school he worked two years in his father's grocery store, then worked four years in the mines, and December 5, 1898, was appointed Deputy Clerk of the county, continuing in office until August 30, 1907, when he took the position of Clerk, serving in the office until January 10, 1911. In his public service he has shown himself practical and efficient, and in the primaries held February 28, 1911, was a candidate for the office of Commissioner.

Mr. Ambrose was married November 1, 1898, to Catherine Moore, a native of Springfield, born August 6, 1876, daughter of James B. and Frances (Walker) Moore, the father born at Westchester County, N.Y., May 14, 1852, and the mother in Springfield, April 2, 1858, and died there May 4, 1908. Mrs. Ambrose was one of ten children, seven of whom are now living: Catherine (Mrs. Ambrose); William A., of Springfield; Mary L., deceased; James E., of Chicago; Daniel, of Springfield; Nellie died in infancy; Laura died in infancy; Stephen T.; Michael Joseph, of Springfield; Alexander, of Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose and wife eight children have been born: George, born May 26, 1899, died October 14, 1906; Stephen F., born July 26, 1900; Mary C., June 8, 1902; John, April 27, 1904; Francis, September 23, 1906; Elizabeth, October 1, 1908; Helen, February 2, 1909; Rose, March 15, 1911. Mr. Ambrose is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor, and belongs to the Immaculate conception Catholic Church, of Springfield. In politics he is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He has spent most of his life in the city, where his character is well known, and he has many firm friends.