Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1263

GOMES, JOHN, an old retired citizen of Springfield, Ill., followed his trade of carpenter for forty years in the vicinity of Springfield and helped in the erection of many large buildings, businesses blocks, residences, etc., and has been identified with the development of the city since 1849. He as an enterprising and skillful workman and formed many acquaintances and warm friends among his associates. Mr. Gomes was born on Madeira island, southwest of the coast of Portugal, August 29, 1829, and spent his early childhood in his native place. He is a son of Frank and Martha Amelia Gomes, and after the death of his father accompanied his mother and sister Juana to the West Indies, where they remained one year and then came to the United States. Mrs. Gomes dies in North Carolina and her son afterward went to New York City, and thence, by a devious route, reached Springfield, Ill., where he has lived for more than sixty years.

After arriving in Springfield John Gomes learned the trade of carpenter with James Sutton, and afterward worked eleven years for the firm of Sutton Brothers & Runyan. He worked for many other firms in a similar line and became an expert carpenter. He is a stanch Republican and takes considerable interest in public affairs and issues. He is considered a useful representative citizen, honest and upright in all his dealings. He married Julia Gomes, a daughter of Antion Gomes, a native of the Madeira Island, where she was born. The father died in Trinidad. They became parents of nine children, viz: Ella, of Oshkosh, Wis.; John, deceased; Joseph;; Carrie, of Milwaukee, Wis.,; Frank, of Springfield; Mary, of Iowa; James died in Milwaukee. The family reside at 612 North Eleventh Street and attend the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gomes is now living retired. His wife died about 1870, and he has never married again.