TILLMONEY, J.J.

TILLMONEY, NIERLING, WIEMER, HARTSHORN

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/12/2003 at 14:23:33

Biography reproduced from page 363 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

J. J. Tillmoney, who is managing the general mercantile business founded by his father, the late Nicholas Tillmoney, and is also secretary of the Ledyard Creamery Association, is one of the town’s most capable business men. He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, on th 11th of May, 1881, and is the eldest of three children born to N. and Mary (Nierling) Tillmoney. The father was a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in his early manhood and subsequently located in Allamakee county, where me met and married Mary Nierling, a daughter of Anton Nierling, on the of the well known residents of that county. In 1895, they removed to Ledyard and here Mr. Tillmoney established the business now owned by his widow and conducted by his son. It is the oldest mercantile establishment in the town and also the largest. At the time of the Ledyard fire in 1901, Mr. Tillmoney had the misfortune to lose practically his entire stock, but he resumed business as quickly as possible and subsequently removed to the present stand. They carry a large and well assorted stock of general merchandise, carefully selected to meet the needs and tastes of their patrons, and offered at reasonable prices. They occupy two large rooms located on the main business street of the town, that have been fitted up and equipped to meet their particular requirements and are connected by an archway. Mr. Tillmoney was one of the enterprising and progressive men of the town and took an active interest in promoting its development. He voted the democratic ticket, but never held any official position save that of school treasurer in which capacity he served for several years. He was a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, as is also his widow, and belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters and the American Brotherhood of Yeomen. He owned a very attractive residence, one of the best in the town, located a block from his store, where Mrs. Tillmoney still makes her home. His death occurred on the 2d of May, 1911, at the age of sixty-two years and he is buried in Highland cemetery, and there the son Carl P., the youngest member of the family, is also interred. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Tillmoney, Gertrude L., who is the wife of L. W. Wiemer, of Ledyard.

J. J. Tillmoney, who was a youth of fourteen years when his parents removed to Kossuth county, completed his education in the public schools of Ledyard, and then began his business career in his father’s store. Since the latter’s death he has had entire charge of the store and is meeting with success in its development, the business constantly increasing upon his management. He is a man of clear judgment and foresight and in the conduct of his transactions adheres to a policy that commends him to the confidence of those with whom he has dealings.

Mr. Tillmoney married Miss Edna M. Hartshorn, a daughter of J. W. Hartshorn, of Ledyard, and to them has been born on child, Cecil D. Their home is located on Church street a block south and a block east of the store and is one of the finest residences in the town and thoroughly modern in all of its appointments.

Mr. and Mrs. Tillmoney are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is republican in his political views, and is serving as treasurer of the school board and has been mayor. He is empowered to act as a notary public and is often called upon to serve in this capacity. Mr. Tillmoney is a well informed man, whose high standards of citizenship and prompt and capable discharge of his duties in either public or private life would make him an acquisition to any community.