BIOGRAPHY: Michael F. Mullen; Newburgh, Orange co., New York

transcribed by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives

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Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens of the Counties.
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United
States.
New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895

MICHAEL F. MULLEN, of Newburgh, was born in County Roscommon, Ireland,
September 29, 1853. His father, Thomas, and grandfather, Patrick, were born in
the same county, and both were farmers by occupation. The former in 1864
brought his wife and children to the United States, making the trip from
Liver-pool on the steamer "State of Wisconsin," which landed at New York after
a voyage of twenty-eight days. Locating in Dutchess County, N.Y., he first
followed agricultural pursuits, but after-ward worked in a woolen-mill for
eight years. His next position was in the print works at Wappinger's Falls,
Dutchess County, where he is still employed.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Hunt, and was born in
County Roscommon, Ireland, where her father, John, was a hotel proprietor. In
an early day he brought his family to the United States and settled in New
York, where he followed the occupation of a drover. His closing years were
spent in retirement, and he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight. Our
subject is one of twelve children, of whom eight are now living. He was the
eldest of the family, and was reared in Titusville, where, prior to the age of
twelve, he was a student in the common schools.

The first work Mr. Mullen secured was in the woolen-mills near his home, and
afterward he was variously employed, following any occupation that would turn
him an honest penny. In youth he learned the dyer's business. At the age of
eighteen he was apprenticed to the horseshoer's trade in Poughkeepsie, where
he worked for Patrick McGee for five months. Afterward he was with William G.
Esser at No. 9 South Bridge Street, that city, remaining with him for three
years. He then went to New York City, where he was employed as a journeyman
for three years, and later was with John Graham for two years. For one year
afterward he was foreman in the Coney Island Railroad shop.

In 1879 Mr. Mullen came to Newburgh, where he worked as a horse-shoer for
Kennedy Bros. on Water Street for nine months, and then opened a shop of his
own on Front Street, remaining at that place for one year and nine months. In
1883 he located at his present place of business, No. 40 Chambers Street,
where he has since continued. He has charge of a large business, his trade
extending throughout the surrounding country to points where his reputation as
a skilled horse-shoer is well known.

In Poughkeepsie Mr. Mullen was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Shortall, a
native of Ireland, who died in New York. In 1882 he married Miss Margaret E.
Laney, who was born in Ireland, and they are the parents of a daughter, Mary
E. For three years Mr. Mullen has been identified with Chapman Steamer Company
No. 1, and he is now serving his second term as Treasurer of that
organization. For two years he was President of the Catholic Mutual Benefit
Association, and is now District Deputy of Orange County for that society. He
is Treasurer of Newburgh Division No. 6, A. O. of H., in which office he has
served for three years. In St. Patrick's Catholic Church he is a prominent
member. In addition to the societies already named, he is connected with the
St. Vincent de Paul and the Holy Name Societies. Politically he favors
Democratic principles.