The gentleman whose history we here briefly record is recognized as one of the most successful and popular merchants of Scales Mound. Personally, he is a man who attracts to himself many warm friends, being courteous in his demeanor, of fine stature, and commanding presence, and one whom it is most pleasurable to meet. Public-spirited and liberal, he is always to be found foremost in the encouragement of those enterprises having for their object the elevation of society, and the best good of the people. Me is active in Church affairs, and a favorite in the social circle. In business he carries a fine and largely-selected stock of merchandise, and enjoys a very extensive patronage.

Our subject comes of substantial English stock, being the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Pierce) Tangye who were both natives of Cornwall County, England, and the father born in 1793. Both the father and paternal grandfather engaged in mining the greater part of their lives. Richard Tangy departed this life in his native Cornwall, when middle aged, in 1833. He was an upright, honorable man. and a member in good standing of the Wesleyan Church. The mother survived her husband the long period of thirty-five years, dying in 1868, in Camborne England. Their seven children were named respectively: Mary and John, deceased; Elizabeth, now living in England; Richard, John, and James, deceased, and Joseph, our subject.

Mr. Tangye was born in the town of Camborne Cornwall County, England, Oct. 7, 1833, the same year of his father's death. He was reared by his mother, and attended the neighboring school until a lad of twelve years. It was then necessary for him to do something which would add to the family income, and he accordingly began work in a blacksmith shop, learning the trade and following it until sixteen 3-ears old. He then went into the copper and tin mines, but a year later passed over into Scotland and continued working in the mines in the vicinity of Creetown for about six months. Both himself and brother were then injured by the premature explosion of a blast, which laid him up for some three months. He then returned to England and worked in the Cornwall mines one year.

Young Tangye now determined to seek his fortunes on this side of the Atlantic. In March, 1858, when twenty years of age, in company with his brother, he embarked at Liverpool on the sailing-vessel "Compromise," under command of Capt. Reiley, and after a voyage of five weeks landed in New York City. Thence he emigrated to Phoenixville, Chestnut Co., Pa., and labored in the copper and lead mines of that region until June, 1854. He now set out for Shullsburg, Wis., and was thereafter employed in one mine for a period of nine years. This brought him up to 1865.

Changing his occupation somewhat, Mr. Tangye now entered the employ of Mr. Osborne at Shullsburg as clerk and book-keeper, and remained with him until June, 1873. His next removal was to Scales Mound, when he established the store which he now owns and occupies for McNulty Bros., and operated as their manager five years, at the expiration of which time he purchased the business, enlarged the building, increased its stock, and entered upon the career which has been so successful. His store now occupies an area of 24x78 feet, and is filled with dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes— in fact, everything that can be mentioned in connection with the town or country household. He probably carries the largest stock of any dry-goods house in the town. His residence property is on the same block as his store, being thus convenient and easy of access. He has a pleasant and tasteful home, and enjoys the friendship and society of the cultivated people of this region.

At Shullsburg, Wis., Mr. Tangye was married, Nov. 25. 1858, to Miss Elizabeth T. Osborne, who was born in Missouri, in August, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Tangye have no children. Mr. Tangye. politically votes the straight Republican ticket, and keeps himself posted upon matters of general interest. Socially, he has been identified with the I. O. O. F., at Shullsburg, "Wis., for a period of twenty-eight years. The doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church coincide with his religious views, and he has been an earnest worker in its behalf, officiating as Steward and Trustee, overseeing the erection of the church edifice, and has officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for fifteen years. He has never sought office, but has served as School Treasurer in his district six years, and has been uniformly willing to contribute his time and means to all worthy objects.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)