GORMAN, Max A.

GORMAN, ODONNELL, MUNGHEY, BISHOP, BERLIN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/4/2014 at 11:32:01

HISTORY of CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA
WHEELER, J.H. Vol. II. Pp. 770-71. Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago. 1910

BIOGRAPHY ~ MAX A. GORMAN

A skilled mechanic, and a practical electrician, Max A. Gorman, superintendent of the People's Gas Company, at Mason City is filling the responsible position which he occupies with credit to himself, and acceptably to the numerous patrons of the company. A native of Iowa, he was born, July 19, 1872, in Butler county, coming from pure Irish ancestry.

His father, Michael Gorman, was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1820, and was there reared. Coming to the United States, the land of golden opportunities, in 1840, he followed his trade of a leather dresser in Newark, New Jersey, for about ten years, in the meantime marrying. In 1850 he came with his bride to Clinton county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived five years. Selling out, he removed in 1855 to Butler county, Iowa, purchased a small tract of raw land, and immediately began the improvement of a homestead. Meeting with eminent success as an agriculturist, he added more land by piirchase to his farm, increasing its size to four hundred and thirty-two acres. Disposing of his interests in Butler county in 1896. he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he invested his money in residential property, and was there a resident until his death, in September, 1907. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann O'Donnell, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1822, and died in Butler county, Iowa, May 9, 1890. Of the ten children born of their union, five are living, as follows: Mary A., wife of Ed P. Munghey, of Minneapolis; Winifred, of Minneapolis; J. J., of Mason City, Iowa; Max A.; and Mrs. J. A. Bishop, of Spokane, Washington.

Growing to manhood on the home farm. Max A. Gorman received his preliminary education in the district schools of Butler count.v, after which he entered the Curtis Business College at St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1895 being graduated from its commercial department. He was afterwards assistant in a plumber's establishment in that city for about a year, subsequently being employed in the electrical department of the Economy Steamboat Company of St. Paul for three years. In 1902 and 1903 Mr. Gorman did construction work for the Western Union Telegraph Company, the followng two years being in the employ of the Edison Company and the John Gorman Company. Coming to Mason City in 1906, Mr. Gorman accepted his present position as superintendent of the People's Gas and Electric Company, which under his management is in a most prosperous condition. He has been exceedingly successful in business, and in addition to other property owns a fourth interest in the Clark Electric Meter Company of Chicago.

Mr. Gorman married, January 18, 1905, Caroline (sic) M. Berlin, who was born at Rock Falls, Iowa, November 29. 1875, and into their pleasant household three children have been born, namely: Charlotte, born February 26, 1906; Margaretta, born September 4, 1908; and Dorothy Elizabeth, born May 25, 1910. Fraternally Mr. Gorman is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; of the Modern Woodmen of America; and of the Modern Brotherhood of America. In politics he is independent, voting according to the dictates of his conscience for the best men and measures. Mr. Gorman is noted as an athelete. He is the undefeated amateur champion wrestler of the northwest, winning a medal and the title in St. Paul in 1890 from James Harbart of Duluth, Minnesota.

NOTE: Max A. Gorman died in 1936. Carolyn M. (Berlin) Gorman died in 1948. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City IA.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2014