Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 440; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
James T. McMahon. He whose name heads this sketch is one of the
partners of the firm of Cooper & McMahon, of Canton, Fulton County,
Ill., and is a prosperous and wide-awake young business man. His birth
occurred in Joshua Township, this county and State, April 23, 1850. He
is the son of Michael and Elizabeth (McNamar) McMahon, the father being
of Irish descent, and coming to America while still in his youth, the
mother being a native of Fulton County and living at the present time
on the old homestead. Their marriage took place here nearly fifty years
ago, and the father died January 1, 1888 having attained his
eighty-fourth year. To them were born eight children all of whom are
living, viz: Mary, Sarah, (Dailey); James T.; Michael, who is a
prosperous farmer in this county; John, a commercial traveler; Dennis,
a farmer; and Lizzie. James spent his early youth on the farm attending
the district school and engaged in farming until he formed a
partnership with Thomas Cooper in the livery business at Canton, Ill.
They are equally interested in this business, are fast friends, and are
meeting with marked success. In October, 1881, Mr. McMahon married Miss
Ellen Rafferty, a resident of this place, and daughter of Patrick
Rafferty. This union has been blessed with two children, viz: Freddy,
born in 1882; and Allie, born in 1886. Both Mr. and Mrs. McMahon are
faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church, and the former belongs
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen of this city. By their great and
untiring interests in the social, business, and religious affairs of
the community in which they reside, they have endeared themselves to
their neighbors, and won numerous friends. The firm of Cooper &
McMahon are doing a splendid business, being well supplied with good
horses and conveyances, and having the patronage of the prominent
people throughout this county.
