MCCARTHY, JAMES. - Experience ripens a man and teaches him the necessary lessons of life. It is impossible for the inexperienced business man to succeed as does the one who has learned how to regulate supply and demand, control trade and meet existing conditions expeditiously and economically. For this reason the people of Springfield are fortunate in having among their business representatives many who have already passed through their preliminary experiences and are prepared to meet all requirements. One of the veterans in the grocery business is James McCarthy, who has been connected with this branch of merchandising for a number of years, his field of operations extending over a part of the State. He was born at Clinton, Ill., July 27, 1867, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Mulville) McCarthy. The father was born in Ireland in 1843 and the mother was a native of the same country. Her death occurred at Pana, Ill., about ten years ago. Coming to Pana, when eighteen years of age, Patrick McCarthy entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Co., and for forty-six years has remained with it, giving a faithful service that has resulted in his appointment as supervisor of a large division. He owns considerable property in Pana and vicinity, and is one of the solid men of his locality.

James McCarthy grew up in Pana, attending grammar and high schools. Leaving school, he first worked in a grocery store, later embarking in the same business for himself. His business grew until at one time he operated four large grocery houses at Pana, as well as others throughout central Illinois. Selling these properties, in 1906, he went to Decatur, where he again engaged in the same line, but three years later sold, and moving to Peoria became manager of the Consolidated Grocery Company there and also managed stores in Galesburg and other cities. About two years ago he severed his other connections to come to Springfield and launch his present enterprise, which is in a flourishing condition, owing to his thorough comprehension of the business.

Mr. McCarthy was married January 9, 1888, at Pana, Ill., to Clara D. Sibley. Her parents are residents of Springfield her father having retired from active pursuits. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy, Armand, in the employ of the Great Eastern Supply company, and Beatrice, in the employ of the Herndon dry-goods store. A consistent Catholic, mr. McCarthy is interested in church and society work, belonging to the Galesburg Council, Knights of Columbus, and the Modern Woodmen Camp No. 244, of Pana. He is a Republican but has been too much occupied with his own affairs to engage in public matters. Shrewd, keen, a good manager and a thorough business man, Mr. McCarthy is numbered among the successful men of Springfield.