BIOGRAPHY - Michael H. Dolan
MICHAEL H. DOLAN is well deserving of representation in the history of
Ford County, for he is an enterprising citizen of Roberts. He claims New
York as the State of his nativity. He was born in Lockport, March 28, 1859,
and is the eldest of ten children, six sons and four daughters, born unto
John and Belle (Hooks) Dolan. His father, a native of Ireland, was born in
May, 1819, and was reared as a stock-raiser. On attaining his majority, he
crossed the briny deep and became a resident of Canada, where he remained
for two years, when he went to Lockport, N. Y., and was foreman in a stone
quarry for some time. He became one of the pioneers of Farmer City, Ill.,
removing thence when it contained only two stores. He is now one of the
three oldest citizens of that place and himself and wife are classed among
its prominent people. They are members of the Catholic Church and he has
been a supporter of Democratic principles since coming to America.
The seven children of the Dolan family yet living are Michael H., of this
sketch; James, an employe of the Illinois Central Railroad Company; Edward,
who is agent on the Big Four Railroad at Farmer City, Ill.; Robert, who is
operator at the same place; Phoebe, who is clerking for Buford Brothers, of
Farmer City; Anna, who is one of the successful teachers of Ford County, and
Nellie, who is engaged in dress-making in Farmer City.
Our subject was quite young when he came with his parents to the West and in
Farmer City he acquired his education. He left the parental roof and began
life for himself at the age of twenty-four years, and since August, 1880,
has resided in Roberts, being employed as a section foreman of the Illinois
Central Railroad. His long continued service with one company indicates his
faithful performance of duty and the confidence reposed in him by his
employers.
On the 20th of December, 188.3, Mr. Dolan was united in marriage with Miss
Sadie Eisaman, who was born in Woodford County, Ill., May 12, 1862. They
were married in Paxton and their union has been blessed with two little
daughters: Edna Pearl, aged seven, and Ina. The mother is a member of the
Methodist Church of Roberts. The Dolan household is the abode of hospitality
and its doors are ever open for the reception of the many friends of our
subject and wife.
Mr. Dolan on questions of national importance votes with the Democratic
party, but at local elections votes for the man whom he thinks best
qualified for the office, regardless of party affiliations. For two years he
has served as one of the Village Trustees of Roberts, and has proved an
efficient officer. He is an honored member of Lyman Lodge No. 293, K. P., of
Roberts, which he joined on its organization and is now serving as Prelate.
An open-hearted, generous man, he has given liberally for the support of all
enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit, and is a citizen of
sterling worth.
Extracted 22 Aug 2019 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois, published in 1892, pages 237-238.
