- THOMAS S. NOLAN, of the firm NOLAN & CUNNINGHAM, lawyers,
of Janesville, is a
- native of that city, born on the 11th day of October, 1856.
His parents, Simon and Margaret (COSS) NOLAN, were born in Ireland,
the father in Kings County and the mother in Queens County. During
the days of his boyhood Simon NOLAN left the Green Isle of Erin
and came with his parents to America, the family settling at
Albany, N.Y., where he married Margaret COSS. He afterwards removed
to Janesville, which city he made his home until his death, which
occurred in 1858. His wife came to America some years later than
her husband, and is still a resident of Janesville. Two children
were born unto them, a son and daughter, Catherine M., who is
now the wife of Dr. Walter E. FERNALD, the present superintendent
of the School for Feeble-Minded, at Boston, Mass.
- The son, Thomas S., the subject of this sketch, received
his preparatory education in the Janesville
- city schools, after which he was a student at the Bridgetown
academy, at Bridgetown, Ontario, Canada, for two years. He began
his law studies at York, Nebraska, in the office of Edward Bates,
in July 1877, continuing with that gentleman until January, 1878,
when he returned to Janesville, entering the law office of CASSODAY
& CARPENTER, but two months later became a student in the
office of ELDREDGE & FETHERS. He was admitted to the bar
in September, 1879, and entered at once upon the practice of
his profession, continuing thereat until the spring of 1880,
when he was elected Police Justice, which office he held for
two years. In December, 1881, in company with Garrett VEEDER
and W. A. LEONARD, he incorporated the Recorder Printing Company,
of which Mr. VEEDER became President, while Mr. LEONARD held
the office of the Vice-President, and Mr. NOLAN was Secretary,
Treasurer and editor. His connection with that company continued
until March, 1863, when he sold out and went to Pierre, Dak.,
where he practiced law and started a daily paper, called the
Pierre Dailey Recorder, which after conducting one year he sold,
and formed a company, establishing the bank of South Dakota at
Harold. Mr. NOLAN was elected President of the company, and continued
at the head of affairs until October, 1885, when on account of
his wife's health he sold out and returned to Janesville, where
he resumed the practice of his profession.
- On the 22d day of February, 1883, Mr. NOLAN was united in
marriage at Janesville with Miss
- Jessie M. MURDOCK, youngest daughter of the late E. D. MURDOCK.
She was born in this city, where her people were among the early
settlers.
- Soon after his return from Dakota our subject was chosen
Village Attorney for the Village of
- Clinton, Rock County, the duties of which office he performed
while continuing to reside at Janesville. While a resident of
Pierre, Dak., he was elected the first City Justice under the
city charter, was chairman of the first County Republican Committee,
and was one of the organizers of the party in that County. Socially
he is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 22, K. of P., was Chancellor
Commander of the order in 1888; was a delegate to the last session
of the Grand Lodge, and now fills the position of P. C. He is
also a member of Pierre Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Pierre, Dak., and
his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. The present partnership
with John CUNNINGHAM was formed in 1888, and the firm is securing
a fair share of the legal business of Rock County. Mr. NOLAN
is a bright, active lawyer, earnest in all he undertakes, and
is a highly respected member of the bar.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 548-549.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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