Bernard Colgan

Bernard Colgan, one of the most prominent farmers of Valley township, was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1836. He remained in his native land until twenty years of age, and then started to make a home in the new world, landing at New York. He came at once to Stark county, Ill., and began working as low as twelve dollars per month. After several years he rented land which he worked until 1865 when he purchased an eighty tract on section 16. In Jan., 1867, he married Miss Ann Slogan, who is also a native of Ireland. After their marriage they remained some seven years upon this place and then removed to a farm on section 2, which he had purchased. Here they have since resided, and built up their present beautiful home. Eight children have blessed their marriage, all of whom make their home with their parents. Mary, Francis, Edward, James, John, Bernard, Margaret, Rose. Thomas is numbered among the dead. Mr. Colgan is a member of the Catholic church, of which his family are all members. In politics he is decidedly Democratic. He has now 240 acres of choice farming land, and is well known as one of our best farmers. John A. Colgan, born at Greencastle, Down county, Ireland, February 14, 1836, is the son of Edward and Sarah (Brennan) Colgan, and grandson of Patrick and Catherine (Fitzpatrick) Colgan, of Lisnacree, in that county, who were the children of Edward Colgan, of Aughioguhill, and Denis Fitzpatrick, of Ballymacdurphy, of Down county, the former a weaver, and the latter a farmer and blacksmith. The maternal grandparents of John A. were James and Pose (Lands) Brennan, of Ballamena, and on both sides the family history can be traced back to the Irish Brians and to the illustrious Colgan family, one of whom was the celebrated historian. To Patrick and his wife Catherine nine children were born, one of whom came to the United States. Edward Colgan was married in 1834; moved to Greencastle, where he died in 1848. His widow came to America in 1865, and now resides with her son, John A. Her children are John A. Colgan, James, who was drowned at St. John's, Patrick, Mary, Kate, now Mrs. Wm. Gill, Peter, drowned near Liverpool, and Thomas, all survivors of the family residing in this township. John A. Colgan was taken by his paternal grandparents in 1837, and lived with them eighteen years. He then moved to Liverpool to learn the ship-carpenter's trade, but returned in a short time and remained at home until 1856, when he came to Illinois, residing near Brimfield for three years. Subsequently he freighted between Kansas City and Ft. Leaven- worth and Ft. Union, N. M., but after seven months, returned to Peoria county. In the spring of 1863 he purchased eighty acres in Valley. In February, 1867, he married Miss Sarah Colgan, a very distant relative, who shared his fortunes until death took her away in June, 1882. On August 16, 1886, he married Miss Emma Williams, of Valley. Of seven children born to the first marriage, Mary M., Sarah A., Patrick E., John, Rosa and Peter V. reside here; Katie died. Mr. Colgan has increased his acreage to 400, all excellent land, and well improved. Politically, he is independent, and as a citizen, ranks with, the best in Stark county.