My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM REAGAN, for two years the efficient Sheriff of Cass County, and now a popular clerk in the store of W. M. Vrooman, Dowagiac, is the son of John Reagan, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1827. The father of our subject remained in his native land until about eighteen years of age, when he emigrated to America. John Reagan was energetic and industrious, and soon found employment as a laborer on the Michigan Southern & Michigan Central Railroads. While working on the road he was taken sick, and when he recovered he had as a capital in life but seven cents. With courage he began again and steadily made his way upward. He assisted in laying the track of the Michigan Central from Jackson to Chicago. After a time he abandoned railway employment and located in Silver Creek Township, Cass County. In about the year 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Daley, the daughter of Daniel Daley, of County Kerry. The mother of our subject was a native of Ireland, and came to this country with her father in 1849, locating in La Porte, Ind., soon after their arrival. Her mother had died some time previous to the departure of Mrs. Reagan for America.

The father of our subject entered from the Government forty acres of wild land situated at Silver Creek, and the first year he cleared and brought under cultivation twenty acres. Prospering, he added to his land from time to time until he owned two hundred and forty finely-improved acres of valuable farming property. An upright and self-made man, John Reagan won the respect of all with whom he came in contact, and passed to his rest mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religious conviction a Roman Catholic. His widow still survives. The sons and daughters of John and Bridget Reagan were twelve in number. Nine of their children are yet living. Charles resides in Valparaiso, Ind.; Johanna is with her mother in Silver Creek Township; Delia is the wife of Timothy Burns, and lives in Eau Claire, Mich.; William, our subject, was the next in order of birth; Nellie is at Silver Creek, on the farm; John is also on the farm; Bessie is at school at Valparaiso, Ind., and is studying to become a stenographer; and Corney and Anna, the two youngest, are at home. Our subject was born on the old homestead January 18, 1860. He received his education in the district schools of the locality, and, trained in agricultural duties, remained on the farm until his election to the responsible position of Sheriff of the county, in 1890.

Mr. Reagan made a strong run, and although the Republican majority for Treasurer was two hundred he, as the Democratic candidate for Sheriff, won by eighteen votes. For two years he gave his entire time to the duties of his office, and when his term of service expired received his present position with W. M. Vrooman. Our subject has ever been true to the principles of Democracy, and has filled with ability various local offices. For four years he was Township Clerk, and for two terms ably discharged the duties of County Drain Commissioners. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is also connected with the Independent Order of Foresters. Upon the 7th of January, 1891, William Reagan and Miss Joe Cullinane were united in marriage. Mrs. Reagan was the daughter of John Cullinane, a prominent and extensive farmer of Silver Creek Township, and was born on the family homestead March 4, 1863. She was educated in the public schools of the vicinity and was a general favorite, enjoying the esteem of many friends. Her death, which occurred in 1893, was mourned by all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Reagan were both faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church, and generously assisted in works of benevolence. In the death of his estimable and accomplished wife our subject sustained an irreparable loss, and received the sympathy of the entire community. Mrs. Reagan was buried in the Catholic Cemetery, near the home of her childhood, and was followed to the grave by many who had known and loved her from infancy.