History of Taylor County, Iowa 1881 by Lyman Evans
(biographicals)
(transcribed by Pat O'Dell)
 
PLATTE TOWNSHIP
 
(page 786)
MADDEN, Hon. JOHN, dealer in general merchanise and stock-shipper, Lenox; born in Pennsylvania October 16, 1842. When four years of age his parents came west and settled in Jefferson county, Iowa, where they resided a short time then went to Appanoose county, and in 1854 became residents of Union county, locating nine miles northeast of Lenox. There our subject grew to manhood and received a liberal education. His father was one of the first settlers of that county. In 1874 Mr. M. was called upon to mourn the loss of his father, and four years later his mother passed away. In 1874 subject engaged in the mercantile, stock and grain business at that place and in 1876 was chosen by the Independent Democrats of this district to represent them in the State legislature which duty he performed with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his consistuents. He was married in Union county in 1866 to Miss Lenora Bliss, a native of the Keystone State. Of their children six are now living: William, Nellie, Olive, Laura, Walter and Clara; one, Mary, is deceased. Although comparatively a young man Mr. Madden has been eminently successful in business and by his industry and integrity of character commands the respect of all with whom he is associated. He is a member of the A.F. & A.M., the I.O.O.F. and Bethany Commandery No. 29, K.T.
MADDEN, E., junior member of Madden Bros., dealers in general merchandise, Lenox; born in Union county, Iowa, October 25, 1855. He has the proud distinction of being the first white child born in that county. He (page 787) grew to manhood employed on the farm and in attending school, where he received his education. Subject located and commenced business in Lenox in the fall of 1874. Was married in Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1877, to Miss Alice Greeland, a lady of excellent qualities. They have one child, Millard, and lost one in infancy. Mr. Madden, like his brother, senior member of the firm, possesses fine business qualifications and is a popular salesman.
MAHER, J.W., real estate, exchange, loan and insurance agent, Lenox, was born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1842, where he was reared and educated, his early youth being spent in agricultural pursuits. In 1871 he took Greeley's advice, came west, and located at Lenox, where he has since remained and established an excellent business. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Kelley, a native of Quincy, Illinois. Their family consists of five children: Arthur C., Clara M., Ethel M., John W. and Grace. Mr M. is a very genial gentleman, of good habits and good buiness qualifications, a man of unquestionable integrity, industrious, and thoroughly awake to the interests of Taylor county.
MEAGHER, THOMAS F., of Meagher & Maloney, dealers in grain and general merchandise, corner Main and Ohio streets, Lenox, is a native of the Emerald Isle. Was born in 1844. When five years of age his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Sullivan county, New York, remained two years, then went to Canada West, where they stopped about eighteen months, after which they moved to Chicago, and remained there two and a half years. They next went to McHenry county, thence to Whiteside county, Illinois; in 1856 moved to De Witt, Clinton county, Iowa, and came to Lenox in 1876. During all these changes our subject was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and acquired a liberal high school education. After arriving at Lenox he established what is known as the Centennial Store. Was married in Scott county, Iowa, April 9, 1872, to Miss B.G. Maloney, a native of Canada West. Their family consists of four children: William F., John J., Mary A. and Nora. As a business man Mr. M. has been very successful. Although he has been a resident of Lenox but half a decade he has ingratiated himself with the people of Taylor county, and secured a goodly portion of their patronage. He is a member of the Catholic Church and adheres tenaciously to the faith.
MERCER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, section five, post-office Lenox, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. Moved with his parents to Belmont county, Ohio, at an early age, and was there educated. He also learned the tailor trade, and worked at that business for sixteen years. Moved to Henry county, Illinois, in 1856, where he (page 788) remained eight years, tilling the soil and raising stock. He then came to Taylor county, and located on his present farm of eighty acres, which he has improved and made one of the nicest homes in the county. Mr. M. was married in 1845 to Miss Clarinda McKessen, a native of the Buckeye State. From this union there are five children: L.E., Sam O., Elmira J., wife of E.E. Rhodenbaugh, Ben. G. and William. They are members of the M.E. Church.