Mr. Halligan's record is that of an energetic, industrious, self reliant man, whose ambition in life has been to make himself a respected citizen and a successful business man. He was born in Davenport, October 26, 1855, being the son of P. J. Halligan, for so many years connected with the Davenport Gas Light Company. He received his education at St. Marguerite's parochial school, remaining in school until he was about fourteen or fifteen years old. He then secured a position in a flour and feed store, where he remained for a year or so, and in December, 1870, he commenced work as a delivery clerk in the grocery store of Morrison & Glaspell. He worked for this firm and their successor for about five years. In June, 1875, he took a position with Milton J. Glaspell, with whom he continued for nearly nine years. On the first of January, 1884, he entered into partnership with Mr. Glaspell under the firm name of Glaspell & Halligan. Their grocery store was located at No. 316 East Third Street, and the business carried on by these gentlemen was very successful.
Mr. Halligan has always had a natural head for business, and the firm of Glaspell & Halligan did a large business, besides jobbing in large quantities of apples and other fruits. This firm continued in business until the spring of 1887, when Mr. Halligan sold his interest in the grocery, and in company with Mr. G. J. Washburn organized the Washburn-Halligan Coffee Company. This was in May, 1887, and since that time Mr. Halligan's interests have been centered in this concern. The chief articles handled by the company are teas, coffees and spices of all kinds, and the business has been remarkably rapid in its growth during the past few years.
Mr. Halligan occupies a prominent position in the City of Davenport, being one of the youngest as well as one of the most successful men who have attempted to build themselves up in commercial life. He is thoroughly familiar with all the branches of his business, from his early boyhood to the present time, having been engaged in places where he had the best opportunities for learning. He is shrewd and cautious, and has every reason to think that he has before him the prospect of accumulating a large competence.
He is interested in numerous institutions of a public nature and is treasurer of the Leader Publishing Company, of which he was one of the organizers.
He was married on August 17, 1886, to Miss Mary A., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lillis of Davenport. Mrs. Halligan is a native of this city, where she was born October 2, 1861, is a graduate of the Immaculate Conception Academy, and for a number of years was a teacher in the County schools here. She is a lady of many accomplishments. The children are Gilbert, Eugene and Grace.
BIOGRAPHIES