BARREGARYE, M., of Springfield, has lived in the Second Ward in that city for fifty years, and has held many public offices during that time. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1840, son of Edward and Bridget (Ryan) Barregarye, both natives of Ireland, where the mother died. The father emigrated to America and located in Illinois after his wife's death. He had been a farmer in his native country and carried on farming in Sangamon County for many years. He died at Buffalo, Ill., in 1885, and his wife died in 1842.

Barregarye was educated in Ireland and spent his boyhood on a farm. He lived at home until fifteen years of age, then came to America and located at Springfield, where he first worked in the gas house, being employed there twenty-one years. He has held many positions under the city government and has given general satisfaction in the performance of his various duties. He held the position of police officer many years, served six years as a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and in 1866 was the first man nominated for Supervisor-at-large in Springfield. He served three years and a half at Camp Butler, from 1861-64, having a commission from the United States Government. He is a stanch Democrat and has held many offices under the party, in whose interests he has been an active worker. He is well known and much esteemed in Springfield and is familiar with historic events in the city for the last half century, having been identified with it so many years and was associated with many of the oldest citizens. He is a member of the Catholic Church and is in Father Hickey's parish.

Mr. Barregarye was married, in New Orleans, La., April 6, 1861, to Miss Mary Tierney, who was born in Ireland, in 1840, daughter of Maurice and Mary Tierney, also natives of Ireland, where they lived all their lives, being prominent in the Parish of Doane, County Limerick. Six sons were born to Mr. Barregarye and his wife, of whom two survive: Maurice, born in Springfield, in May, 1867, and Edward, born in Springfield, in March, 1875. Maurice Barregarye married Sarah Backberger, a native of Springfield, and they have five children; Edward, Henry, Maurice, Marina and Mary, all of Springfield. Edward Barregarye is unmarried and lives in Springfield.