John Moran Page 47-478 - John Moran is not only one of the more successful and well-to-do representatives of Grand Rapids business circles but as manager of the Hermitage Hotel for the past fifteen years has played an important role as a "ye host" to many of Grand Rapids’ citizens and visitors. The Irish-American is a type prone to an extreme success when once well started in some interesting line of endeavor. John Moran is a native of Grand Rapids, born here on March 16, 1864, son of John and Ellen (Lavin) Moran. His parents were natives of Ireland, who came to Canada and later to New York State and later in life to Grand Rapids, where both resided until their deaths. The father was a stone paver and member of St. Andrews Catholic church. This worthy couple had seven children of whom John and two daughters are now living. John was educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids and began his business career in the office of E. P. and S. L. Fuller, real estate, one of the leading firms of Grand Rapids. He remained with this concern for thirty-eight years, during which time he actively participated in the rapid growth of his native city as it developed addition after addition and thousands of new homes were built or acquired by its citizens. When this firm sold the Hermitage Hotel in 1912, Mr. Moran became associated with the Hermitage Realty Company as manager of the Hermitage Hotel, which position he still holds. Mr. Moran is a member of the Catholic church, Knights of Columbus, and Modern Woodmen of America. In 1891 he married Miss Verena Keller, of Grand Rapids, daughter of Mathew Keller, now deceased. This couple are the proud parents of seven children, Edwin B. Moran, educated in the parochial school and now representing the New York Credit Association Office in Chicago, the Middle-State branch, and also in charge of the office in St. Louis. His wife was Lenora Slonah, of Minneapolis, and they have three children, Peggie, Ruth and Harry. Lucy M., educated in the parochial schools and a graduate from Michigan Agricultural college and then a teacher in the Hill Training School of Saginaw, Michigan, for several years. She is now the wife of John S. Kasberger, living in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the have one child, Jack. Gertrude who attended parochial schools and graduated from Western Normal College, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the wife of Ray Mulligan. She is now a teacher of physical culture in Grand Rapids Schools. Florence, educated in the parochial schools and a graduate of Grand Rapids high school, is the wife of John Boger. They have one child, Patricia, who resides at Miami, Florida. Verena, who attended parochial schools and was graduated from the University of Michigan in June, 1925, is now employed on the Miami Herald, at Miami, Florida, as staff writer. Arthur, who attended parochial schools, is now employed by the MacKenzie-Bostock-Monroe Clothing Store, of Grand Rapids. Mary is a student in the public schools of Grand Rapids. Such a splendid group of children and grandchildren would be of more credit to any parents than any amount of success in a material way.

Transcriber:  Nancy Myers
Created:  2 October 2003