- JOHN THOROUGHGOOD, of the firm of THOROUGHGOOD & Co.,
manufacturers of cigar
- boxes and cigar box lumber, Janesville, commenced his present
business in 1877. The business, however, was established in 1874,
by Fred MORSE, who commenced in a small way, and continued until
1877, when Mr. THOROUGHGOOD, in connection with F. G. STEVENS,
purchased an interest in the concern, which was re-organized
and took the firm name of STEVENS & Co. Six years later,
Mr. STEVENS sold out, and Fenner KIMBALL became a member of the
firm, and the firm name of THOROUGHGOOD & Co., was adopted.
The company employs fifty hands, and does an annual business
of $65,000 to $75,000. In connection with their manufacture,
they are dealers in labels, edgings, trimmings, tacks, cigar
cutters, knives, boards, gum, etc. In the manufacture of cigar-box
lumber, they use from 800,000 to 1,000,000 feet of raw lumber,
principally basswood, or other domestic wood. The trade of the
firm extends within a radius of 600 or 700 miles, but is principally
in the West.
- John THOROUGHGOOD was born in Lancastershire, England, April
12, 1838, and is a son of
- John and Martha (NADIN) THOROUGHGOOD, both of whom were natives
of the same country. The former died in England many years ago,
and the latter in June in 1867. In 1865 our subject, with the
hope of bettering his condition in life, came to America and
located in Janesville, commencing to labor here as a wood turner,
a trade which he had learned in England. He continued in this
line, in the employ of others, until he purchased an interest
in his present business, as already stated.
- While yet a resident of England, in 1863, Mr. THOROUGHGOOD
married Miss Sarah A.
- PROSHO, also a native of that country, by whom he had one
child, who was named Sarah. Shortly after giving birth to her
child Mrs. THOROUGHGOOD died. She was a most estimable woman,
having many warm friends who sincerely mourned her early death.
It was after her death that Mr. THOROUGHGOOD resolved to come
to America. In Janesville, Aug. 18, 1868, he was again married,
choosing as his bride Miss Annie COOK, a daughter of George COOK,
of that city. Mrs. THOROUGHGOOD was born in Herefordshire, England,
and came to American with her parents, when but six years of
age. Two daughters - Allie and Ada - came to gladden their home
and both are yet residing with their parents.
- Mr. and Mrs. THOROUGHGOOD are members of Trinity Episcopal
Church, of Janesville, and in
- all church work are ever ready to do their part. Politically,
he is a Republican, and for two years was Alderman in the Second
Ward. For sixteen years he has been a member of the Masonic Order,
holding membership with Western Star Lodge, No. 14, A.F. &
A.M. He is also a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 22, K.P.
- While a resident of Janesville but about twenty-four years,
Mr. THOROUGHGOOD has
- thoroughly identified himself with its business interests,
and is regarded among the leading and progressive citizens of
the city. During his residence, he has gathered around him many
warm friends, who highly esteem him for his worth as a man and
a citizen.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 676.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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