Joseph L. Gorman

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: CANNADY, GORMAN, JAMERSON, LEWIS, MORGAN, STEPHENSON, STRAHAN, WATSON

 

JOSEPH L. GORMAN. The homestead of this gentleman, which he took possession of in the spring of 1884, is pleasantly located on section 32, Tolono Township. Here he has 100 acres of finely cultivated land with convenient and substantial farm buildings. In his operations as an agriculturist he has enjoyed fair success, and as a gentleman is a highly respected member of the community.

Our subject is a native of Fleming County, Ky., where his birth occurred on the 5th of January, 1829. His father, Daniel GORMAN, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., was born Jan. 15, 1780, grew to manhood in his native county and learned the trade of a shoemaker. When nineteen years old he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret WATSON, who survived less than a year after their marriage. In 1800, Mr. Gorman removed to Fleming county, Ky., and was there married to Miss Nancy STRAHAN. They afterward removed to Scott County, Ind., and in about 1824, after becoming the mother of one daughter, Mrs. G. departed this life. The daughter, Eveline, married Samuel MORGAN, and they located first in Fleming County, Ky., and later in Rush County, Ind., where Mr. M. died in 1857. Mrs. Morgan then moved to Tolono, Ill., where she died in April, 1886.

Daniel Gorman, after the death of his second wife, returned to Kentucky, and in March, 1828, was married to Miss Mary LEWIS. This lady was a native of North Carolina, where she was born Jan. 21, 1798. They located in Kentucky, where Mr. G. followed his trade until 1855, when they removed to Rush County, Ind., where he departed this life in 1865. Mrs. Gorman then came to this State, and died at Tolono one year later, in 1866. Of this marriage there were born three children, two of whom died in infancy, the child surviving being Joseph L. of our sketch.

Joseph L. was reared to farming pursuits, received his education in a private school, and when nineteen years of age commenced teaching. He followed this occupation during the winter seasons for a period of twenty-five years and in the summers engaged in farming. On the 8th of January, 1856, he was united in marriage, at Lebanon, Ind., to Miss Elvira A., daughter of John and Jane (JAMERSON) STEPHENSON. Mrs. G. was born near Lebanon, June 27, 1840. Of this marriage there were born eleven children, and the parents were bereft of seven of these, who died in childhood. Lilly departed this life June 13, 1887. Those surviving are Nannie, who married S. D. CANNADY, a druggist in Missouri; Orville is teaching in this county; Grace resides at home.

Joseph L. Gorman became a resident of this county in 1865. He first purchased a farm in the township of Pesotum, which he occupied for eleven years and then removed into the village of Tolono, where he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was also engaged in the insurance business. In March, 1884, he took possession of his present farm, and is most pleasantly situated and prepared to enjoy life in a high degree. He became a member of the Republican party at its organization and has been a warm supporter of its principles since that time. In former years he was a Whig. He united with the Presbyterian Church in early life and is in all respects a substantial and representative citizen who is contributing his full share toward the welfare and prosperity of his community. We are pleased to present a portrait of this estimable citizen in this work, he being a gentleman worthy of the highest distinction.