JOHN MASTERSON

John Masterson. Although a resident of Ottawa County for less than a decade of years, Mr. Masterson has a wide circle of acquaintances and business associates, whose regard he has won by his genial courtesy, upright life and uniform liability of his transactions. He engages in agricultural pursuits upon his pleasantly situated and highly cultivated farm in Tallmadge Township, consisting of one hundred acres of arable land. As a farmer he is energetic, industrious and efficient, and uses good judgement in the cultivation of his land.

A native of Illinois, our subject was born in Lake County August 7, 1841. His father, Thomas Masterson, was born in Ireland, in 1810, and in 1828 came to America, settling in Illinois and following farming operations in Shields Township, Lake County, until his demise. On first coming to America, however, he did not engage in agricultural pursuits, but conducted an extensive business in the digging of ditches, etc. It was he who contracted to clean the brush from the Chicago River, an arduous undertaking, as may well be surmised. His wife, whose maiden name was Bridget Malloy, was, like himself, of Irish birth and parentage.

The eldest child of his fathers family, the subject of this biological sketch was the recipient of such educational opportunities as were afforded by the schools of Lake County, Ill. He worked at home on the farm until he reached the age of seventeen, when he went to Lake Forest and there secured employment, remaining until 1884. At that time he came to Michigan and purchased the tract of land in Tallmadge Township, Ottawa County, which ever since has been his home. He is a man of prominence in this community and an active worker in the Democratic party. In religious matters, he is a Roman Catholic.

The lady who in June, 1866, became the wife of our subject was formerly Miss Mary Delaney, and at the time of her marriage was living in Ottawa County. To this union have been born six children, namely: Thomas and Annie (twins), Mary, John, Daniel and Lawrence, all of whom reside with their parents with the exception of the eldest son, who is a conductor on the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad. The family, socially, is one of the best-known and most influential in the county, and both Mr. and Mrs. Masterson have the regard of their many friends.