Source: History of Whiteside County, IL, from its earliest settlement to 1908
By William W. Davis, M. A.
Vol II
Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Co., 1908

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Pages 932-934

John Joseph McCue

John Joseph McCue, who owns and operates a valuable and up-to-date farming property of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Hopkins township, was born in this township on the 5th of July, 1868, a son of James and Margaret (Doyle) McCue. The grandparents were Thomas and Honora (Ternon) McCue, who lived and died in Ireland.

James McCue, the father of our subject, was born in the parish of Balanskiln, County Galway, Ireland, County Galway, Ireland, September 24, 1834, and in November, 1854, when a young man of twenty years, emigrated to America, locating in Whiteside county. He possessed no financial resources with which to take up the battle of life in a new country, but his resolute spirit, willing hands and strong physical manhood proved to be ample equipment. For the first six or seven years after his arrival in this county he was employed as a farm hand, but in 1859 rented a tract of land, being successfully engaged in it cultivation for about three years. At the end of that time, by reason of the exercise of careful economy and unremitting diligence, he had succeeded in accumulating capital sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, and which eventually became the old homestead. As the years passed he added to his holdings from time to time, until he is now the owner of nine hundred and seventy-three acres of rich and productive land in Whiteside county, and is widely recognized as one of its most successful and enterprising citizens. About 1898 he removed to the place where he now resides, on section 19, Hopkins township, having here a beautiful, modern home and being surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth living.

On the 1st of March, 1859, Thomas McCue had been married at Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, to Miss Margaret Doyle, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Father Kinady, C.P. Mrs. McCue was a native of Ireland and a daughter of James and Ellen (Kirk) Doyle, in whose family were the following children: Mary, Margaret, John, Patrick, Catherine, Sarah and Ellen. In the McCue family were six children: William C., who lives on the old homestead in Hopkins township; James E., also a resident of that township; Mary, who wedded James S. Quinn, of Chicago, and died about 1895; Thomas E., a resident of Sterling township; John J., of this review; and Edward, who died when about five years old. Mr. McCue has given each of his children a good start in life. He is now spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil and, having lived in this county for more than a half century, is widely and favorably known as one of its representative and influential residents.

John Joseph McCue acquired his education in the common schools and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until several years after he had attained his majority, when he was married and established a home of his ownon section 36, Hopkins township. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, and is one of the best improved properties in the county, being equipped ith all the accessories and conveniences  of a model farm of the twentieth century. The drive to the residence is entered through an automatic swing gate of the latest device, and the cement walks and many other modern improvements  give evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the owner. The fields annually return golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon them, and he has long been recognized as one of the wide-awake and prosperous agriculturists of his community.

On the 12th of October, 1898, Mr. McCue was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Gronis, a daughter of Charles and Bridget (McDermott) Gronis, further mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, five of whom are now living: Mary Frances, Jennie Loretta, John Joseph, Charles Joseph and Leo.

In his political vies Mr. McCue is a democrat, while the religious faith of the family is indicated by their membership in the Catholic church. Having spent his entire life in this county, Mr. McCue is well know, and has gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated, for his life has ever been upright nd honorable in all relations, and he is now surrounded by many comforts, a beautiful home and a family of bright and interesting children.