Will County IL Archives Biographies.....CONNOR, JOHN ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Paula Winke-Martisek wranglerjack@comcast.net September 19, 2007, 3:01 pm Author: GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD JOHN O. CONNOR. The position of Braidwood, in the center of an important coal district, has naturally attracted to it a large number of practical, skillful miners, among whom none is more worthy of mention than Mr. Conner, the present mayor of the city. Both by native gifts and by training he is fitted for the responsible task of superintending valuable mines. Having had experience in every department of mining he thoroughly understands the work. He has gradually, by the exercise of energy, good judgment and perseverance, worked his way from a humble position to one of influence and importance, and is now general manager and part owner of the Co-operative coal mine. This mine, which has a vein of two hundred and ten feet, produces an average of sixty tons per day, and its output is steadily increasing. Mr. Connor was born in Ireland in 1854 and left that country in 1869, accompanying an uncle to the United States. He first settled at Lemont, Ill., where he attended school for a time. In 1873 he came to Braidwood and secured work as a laborer in the mines. Through his determination to succeed, backed by perseverance and industrious habits, he soon became a practical miner, working up through the different grades of mining. In 1896 he went to Springfield, Ill., and took an examination before the state board of examiners for statistics of labor, from whom he received a certificate entitling him to act as mine manager. Since 1891 he has owned a half interest in the Co-operative mine, situated within the city limits of Braidwood. His attention is closely given to his duties as manager of this mine, and it is largely due to his efficient oversight that the mine has proved a profitable investment for its owners. He has always been very considerate of the men in his employ and has shown a thoughtful interest in their welfare. It is said that he pays the highest wages of any mine owner in the place, and certainly it is true that in every way he has endeavored to live up to the golden rule in his relations with his men. Because Mr. Connor has been so engrossed in his work as mine manager, it must not be supposed that he is neglectful of the duties of citizenship. He has ever been loyal to his adopted country. During the many years of his residence in Braidwood he has been to the people all that is required in good citizenship and public enterprise. As an alderman (an office that he held for four years), he worked in the interests of the people; and this same trait has been very noticeable in his administration as mayor, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1899. The town has had in him an unswerving friend, ever alert to serve its best interests, and generous in his contributions toward movements tending to the general advancement. For years he has been one of the leading Democrats of this part of the county. In 1877 he married Miss Mary Horn, by whom he had seven children. He and his family occupy a beautiful home in Braidwood. Fraternally he is connected with the Home Forum and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which latter lodge he is president. Additional comments: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/connor1735nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 3.7 Kb