McDonough ILGenWeb

WHALEN, Thomas P., well known in Macomb, Ill., as the proprietor of a thriving meat market, was born in Colchester Township, McDonough County, February 28, 1871, and there obtained his schooling. His father and mother, Peter and Bridget (Ryan) Whalen, were natives of Ireland, born in County Galway. His paternal grandfather, Peter Whalen, and his grandfather on the maternal side, John Ryan, were also born in County Galway. Peter Whalen came from Ireland to the United States in 1855, and spent a year in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Colchester Township, McDonough County. After remaining here eighteen months, he went to California and was engaged in gold-mining for four years. In 1866 he returned to Colchester Township, and was employed in the coal mines. He died January 27, 1895. He was the father of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth.

At the age of twenty-two years Thomas P. Whalen began working in the clay mines in McDonough County, and continued thus two years. He then married, and was for ten years engaged in farming in Colchester Township. At the end of this period he moved to Macomb, where he was employed in various ways for some time. In December, 1904, he went into the meat business on East Jackson Street, and conducts the only extensive meat market in this part of the city.

Mr. Whalen was married October 3, 1893, to Mattie Upp, who was born and educated in Macomb. Their union has resulted in four children, namely: Adelia, Estella, Deward and Mary. Politically, Mr. Whalen votes the Democratic ticket. In religious belief, he is a Catholic, and fraternally, is a member of the K. of C. The subject of this sketch is energetic, diligent and straightforward in his business dealings and is meeting with that degree of success which such characteristics merit.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 1043, extracted 26 Oct 2020 by Norma Hass.