Jerre Gorman

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: COYNE, FITZGERALD, GORMAN

 

JERRE GORMAN, who located on section 7, in Raymond Township, in the spring of 1877, is the proprietor of 320 acres of land, and since the time of his coming here has cultivated the soil and been fairly successful in his farming operations. His birth occurred in Queen’s County, Ireland, in March, 1849, and his parents were John and Kate GORMAN, athe former of whom died at about middle age in his native Ireland. In 1865 the mother with her three children set sail for the New World. Soon after landing in New York City she proceeded directly westward to Illinois, first taking up her abode in Grundy County. There the two daughters were married and one still resides. The other removed to iowa. In 1877 our subject with his mother came to Champaign County, and located upon the land which is now included in his present farm. He first purchased 160 acres, and afterward doubled that amount, the whole of which constitutes a good farm under a fair state of cultivation. The aged mother makes her home with her son, being now nearly seventy years old. Our subject politically is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and in religious matters adheres to the Catholic faith in which he was reared. He has served as School Director in his district.

Mr. Gorman was married, in August, 1880, to Miss Mary, daughter of James and Margaret FITZGERALD, and a native of Champaign County. Of this union there are four children, all living at home, and named as follows: John, Margaret, Kate and Mary.

Mrs. Gorman’s father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in about 1837. He came to the United States when fifteen years old, and after sojourning with friends for a brief time in New York City, proceeded to the home of his brother John, in New Hampshire. The following year he came to this county, and for several years afterward was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and resided at Spring Creek, Mattoon, etc. Afterward he purchased 160 acres of land, which is well improved, and furnished with a good set of farm buildings. He was married in this county to Miss Margaret COYNE, also a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young girl. They raised a family of ten children, of whom nine survive, as follows: Thomas, John, Mary, Jerre, Patrick, Willie, Maggie, Elnora and James. Mr. F. is Democratic in politics and Roman Catholic in religion.