Source: The Biographical Record of Whiteside County, Illinois - Illustrated
Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company 1900
Reprinted by HIGGINSON BOOK COMPANY, 148 Wahsington Street, P. O. Box 778, Salem MA 01970, Phone: 978-745-7170, Fax: 978-745-8025  www.higginsonbooks.com

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 47

THOMAS EAGAN

It is said that biography yields to no other subject in point of interest and profit, and it is especially interesting to note the progress that has been made along various lines of business by those of foreign birth who have sought homes in America - the readiness with which they adapt themselves to the different methods  and customs of America, recognize the advantages offered and utilize the opportunities which the new world affords. We find in Thomas Eagan, a well-known farmer, residing on section 32, Union Grove township, a worthy representative of this class.

A native of Ireland, he was born in Loughrea, County Galway, December 20, 1822, and is a son of Matthew and Hannah (Griffin) Eagon. He grew to manhood in his native land, receiving such an education as the public schools of the country afforded at that day, and at the age of twnety-six he came to America. After spending about four years in Connecticut, he came to Illinois in 1854, and took up his residence in Albany, Whiteside County. Later he lived in Garden Plain, and in the fall of 1861 purchased eighty acres of land on section 31, Union Grove township, where he still resides. He has extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time as his financial resources have merited until he now has four hundred and twelve acres of valuable and highly productive land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He has devoted his time and abilities to general farming nd stock raising, feeding a large number of cattle andhogs each year.

On the 10th of October, 1854, Mr Eagon was united in marriage, in New York City, with Miss Alice Ryan, also a native of Ireland, and a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Eagon) Ryan. She came to the new world in October, 1851. To our subject and his wife have been born eight children: John F., at home; Mary, a resident of Clinton, Illinois; Alice, who died at th age of eleven years; Martin, who married Alice Smith, died in Union township, October 27, 1899; Edward, at home; Margaret, wife of Natalian Waltham, of Clinton; Elizabeth and James, both at home. The parents are both devout members of the Catholic church and merit and receive the respect and esteem of all who know them. In his political views, Mr. Eagan is a stalwart Democrat, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interst.