Connor Carmody, who is now living a retired life, gained through his own labor the competence which enables him to put aside further business cares. His life has been characterized by marked energy, diligence and strong determination and he eventually became the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred acres, which he still owns. He also has town property, including business blocks and residences.

Mr. Carmody was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1830, his parents being Peter and Mary (Layden) Carmody, the former a son of Thomas Carmody and the latter a daughter of Cornelius Layden. Both the maternal and paternal grandparents remained in Ireland. Mike Carmody, a brother of our subject, came to the United States in 1849 and made his way to Greene county, Illinois, where he has since resided, his home being in the western part of Carrollton.

In the year 1850 the subject of this review arrived in the new world. He had crossed the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which after six weeks and two days spent on the broad Atlantic, dropped anchor in the harbor of New Orleans. He continued his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, thence to Alton, and from the latter place walked to Carrollton. In the vicinity of this city he began work as a farm hand and was thus employed for some time, after which he entered the service of General Carlin, with whom he continued for a year. He was afterward employed by Looman Curtis, east of Carrollton, for six months and on the expiration of that period he removed to Alton, where he was employed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, and while in that service he was promoted in recognition of his capability. Returning to Carrollton he again began farm labor and later he rented land and engaged in farming on his own account. Subsequently, in connection with his brother Tom, he purchased four hundred acres of land from William Dotson. He lost his health from excessive work and because of this he removed to Carrollton, where he purchased tow lots and built a house. He was confined to his home for a few months and then opened a grocery store. Afterward he purchased eighty acres from William Davis, the town limits beginning at the depot and extending south a half mile and east of the railroad. He afterward bought forty acres adjoining his other tract and later he purchased a property on the east side of the square for forty-five hundred dollars. He also bought another business block in the east side now occupied by a grocery store. The farm land had cost him from one hundred to two hundred dollars per acre. He also owned several residences in the city and has thus made judicious investment in property, which has returned to him a good annual income. In business affairs he is sagacious and his keen discrimination and enterprise have been the salient features in his prosperous career.

Mr. Carmody was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Hynes, who was born in Alton, Illinois, and died April 23, 1861. They had two children: Kate and Elizabeth, who are deceased. For his second wife he chose Anna Cannole, and was married at Jerseyville, Illinois, May 24, 1862. Their children are as follows: Peter, Mary, Thomas and John, all deceased; Mary Agnes, at home; Margaret; Anna Honora; Cornelius and Mary, twins; and Emma. Margaret and Emma are graduates of the high school at Carrollton and are now public school teachers. Anna Honora has been the organist at St. John's church for some years and is a teacher of violin and piano music and is an especially fine performer on the violin.

In his political affiliations Mr. Carmody is a stanch Democrat and his fitness for office has been recognized by his fellow townsmen in election to the positions of alderman and justice of the peace. He has been interested in the public welfare to the extent that he has co-operated in many measures for the general good. He is generous in his support to the church and he possesses many sterling traits of character which command for him the good will and respect of those with whom he has been associated.