Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Loughran, M F ************************************************ 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: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 29, 2008, 12:04 am Author: Past and Present of Will County, IL; 1907 M. F. LOUGHRAN. A man's reputation is the property of the world. The laws of human nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being submits to the controlling influence of others or as a master spirit wields a power for good or evil on the masses of mankind. There can be no impropriety therefore in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his business and public relations. If he is honest and eminent in his chosen field of labor investigation will brighten his fame and point the path that others may follow with like success. Prom among the ranks of quiet, persevering, yet prominent citizens—prominent on account of what he has done in commercial circles—there is no one more deserving of mention in a volume of this character than M. P. Loughran, who has been connected with various business interests that have been directly beneficial to the city in the promotion of its industrial and commercial interests. He is now engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business in Joliet and is also identified with other business concerns. A native of County Tyrone, Ireland, Mr Loughran was born July 24, 1844, a son of Peter and Bridget (McGlinchey) Loughran, both of whom died in their native land. Their son, M. E. Loughran, was reared on a farm and pursued a public- school education. In August, 1868, when twenty-four years of age, he sailed for America, landing in New York city, having made the voyage on the steamer City of Antwerp. He went to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and for seven months was employed in the rolling mill. He then went to Chicago and engaged in the same kind of work, after which he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in September, 1872, remaining in that city for two years, during which time he was promoted to the position of foreman of the blast furnace. On account of ill health, however, he returned to Ireland, where he remained for four months, visiting friends and relatives and renewing the acquaintances of his earlier years. In April, 1875, however, he again sailed for the new world as a passenger on the steamship City of Chester, landing in New York, whence he made his way direct to Joliet, arriving on the 3d of May. Here he secured employment in the rolling mill, where he remained until 1879, when he gave up his position and embarked in business on his own account. In 1882 he began operating in real estate and has since continued in that line with the exception of a period of five years. He is now conducting a real estate, loan, insurance and steamship agency and in the various branches of business is meeting with success. Few men are more thoroughly informed concerning realty values or have more directly contributed to the upbuilding and improvement of the city through realty operations. Moreover he is a man of excellent business ability, who has extended his efforts into various lines and his wise counsel and keen judgment are a valued factor in the successful control of important commercial and industrial concerns. He is now the president of the Joliet Pure Ice Company, a director in the E. Porter Brewing Company and a director in the Joliet Warehouse & Transfer Company. He was for ten years a director and was one of the organizers of the Joliet National bank and still holds all of his original stock. He owns a farm in Joliet township three miles from the courthouse and is also the owner of the Eagle and the Loughran buildings, both of which he erected. He likewise has other property interests in Joliet and his real estate is the visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift. On the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Loughran was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Cassidy, of Joliet, a native of Will county and a daughter of Francis Cassidy, one of the old settlers of this county and one of the earliest quarrymen of the city, owning a large quarry near where the penitentiary now stands. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loughran have been born four children: Anna, Francis J., Margaret and Agnes. The parents are members of the Roman Catholic church, identified with St. Mary's parish. In his political allegiance Mr. Loughran is a republican and while he has been active in politics as a supporter of the principles in which he believes he has never held nor desired office. He is a member of Joliet lodge, No. 296, B. P. 0. E., of which he is a charter member. He is also a charter member of Knights of Columbus lodge. No. 382, and of Modern Woodmen camp, No. 1379. In 1901, accompanied by his eldest daughter and son, he went abroad and in 1903 he took his two youngest children to foreign lands and again in 1906. He has thus traveled extensively, gaining that broad culture and knowledge which only travel can bring. He is a gentleman of genial manner, always courteous and kindly, and a social disposition has gained him wide friendships and warm regard. He stands today as one of the prosperous men of Joliet. His success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances but has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/loughran2716nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.9 Kb