FOLEY, Thomas J.

FOLEY, REDMOND, HOBEIN, COUGHLIN, ONEIL

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/19/2003 at 01:07:58

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

THOMAS J. FOLEY

Thomas J. Foley, who is now successfully engaged in business in Lyons as a dealer in coal, wood, cement, etc., was born in Dublin, Ireland, on the 27th of October, 1856. His father, James Foley, was a native of County Wexford, Ireland, and a son of Patrick Foley, who spent his entire life in that country. There the father married Catherine, daughter of Thomas Redmond. In 1848 he came to the United States to seek a home for himself and family, and spent some time in Alexandria, Virginia, working as a laborer. In 1859 he started west and eventually settled in Lyons, Iowa, where he made his home throughout the reminder of his life. He was variously employed, being able to do almost everything from masonry to farm work, and he won the respect and esteem of all. He was a very strong man, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty years, dying in 1893. his wife is still living in Lyons at he age of seventy-six years. The children born to them were Mary, wife of W. C. Hobein of Lyons; Patrick, Lizzie and Patrick (second), all deceased; and Thomas J., of this review.

In 1861 our subject came to the new world with his mother and sister, joining the father in Lyons. Here he attended school, and when his education was completed began his business career as an employee in the lumber mills, where he worked until he embarked in his present business as successor to John O’Neil. The business was established by that gentleman about 1850, and was carried on by him until his death in 1896, when Mr. Foley was appointed administrator of the estate, and after serving as such for two years he bought the property and business at the corner of Pearl and First streets. He deals in wood, hard, soft and smithing coal, cement, stucco, lime, hair, etc., and has by fair and honorable dealing built up an excellent trade. Besides his business property he owns a good home in the city. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Woodmen of the World and the Court of Honor.

Mr. Foley married Miss Annie, daughter of John and Bridget (Coughlin) O’Neil, and to them were born four children, namely: Mary J., J. Frank, Helen G. and Annie C., all living.