McMANNOMY-James - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Col. James MANNOMY (sic - it is McMannomy). It is with pleasure that any true-hearted patriot recounts the life history of one who has served our nation with devotion and it is with reverence that we look upon the infirmities that have come upon these crippled veterans in our country's service. The old soldier of whom we now write is one of the foremost men of the county and has been a resident of the same for many years. He is highly esteemed by all and is a man of recognized ability. His birth occurred in Ross County Ohio in 1824 and is the son of Patrick and Nancy (McDerit) Mannomy, natives of the Green Isle of Erin. The father came to America when a lad of 14 and resided for many years in Philadelphia, but finally made his home in Ross Co Ohio where he passed the remainder of his days. He was married to Miss McDerit and six children were the fruits of this union. John was born in Philadelphia in the year 1812, and for many years was a contractor on the railroad; he became the father of six. Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia 1815 died 1856 her children making their home with Mr. Mannomy. William, a farmer born in Philadelphia 1818 died 1846. Catherine B, born in Philadelphia 1822 died 1880. Annie born Ross County, Ohio but die din 1876, leaving two children. The original of this notice was reared in his native county and was married in 1851 to Emeline WOOD daughter of John Wood. Their nuptials were celebrated at Covington when our subject was about 26 years of age. The following children were born: Derit, who was born Fountain County 1855 died Parke County 1875; Emma, born Fountain County 1867 married William Coffin and resides at home. She was well educated at St. Mary's School of the woods and is a bright, intelligent woman. Our subject came to Fountain County 1836, making the journey on horseback. He was but 13 and was with his brother in this county for some time. In 1846 he started for Mexico his first duty being to guard prisoners during the Mexican War and later he was made Lt, being in service but one year. Returning to Fountain County, Indiana he was engaged in farming until 1850 when the "gold fever" seized him. He traveled to the Pacific Coast and engaged in mining on Father River meeting with fair success. After his return he purchased 640 acres of land at a cost of $6000. He has put in 3 miles of tile and has his farm in a fine state of cultivation . In 1862 he enlisted to fight for the Union with rank of 2nd Lt and later Lt-Col. He was a brave soldier and a gallant officer and served his country faithfully and well. He was ever to be found in the front and his duties were performed with promptness and good judgment. Mrs. Mannomy is a constant and esteem member of the Baptist Church and contributes literally of her means to its support. She is a lady of refinement and good taste and presides with much dignity over the pleasant home on Sec 28, Troy Twp, Fountain County. In politics, Mr. Mannomy is a stalwart Democrat and an ardent supporter of the platform of his party. He has never held office and does not aspire to any political position. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of odd Fellows, having joined that organization in 1846, and he is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, joining in 1851. Our subject has a prayer book in his possession which was given him during the Civil War with the request to read it. He values it very highly.

James McMannomy, farmer, Covington, is the youngest child of Patrick and Nancy (McDivvit) McMannomy, both natives of Denagauld county, Ireland. Patrick McMannomy emigrated, an orphan, to New York when fourteen years old, accompanied by his sister Hannah, eleven years of age. There he learned the shoemaker's trade, then located in Philadelphia, where he married, There four children were born to them: John, William, Elizabeth and Catharine. The family then emigrated to Kingston, Ross county, Ohio, where he followed his trade till his death. His wife died in Fountain county, Indiana, in September 1849. Both belonged to the Catholic church. Two children were born in Ross county, Ohio, namely Ann and James. James McMannomy was born March 5, 1824. His education was limited, most of his time having been spent on the farm. When fourteen years old he came to Fountain county and worked for his brother on a farm, and also in the excavation of the Wabash and Erie canal. In 1842 he made a trip to New Orleans on a flat-boat, then returned again to the canal and farm. In 1846 he enlisted in Co. B, 2nd Ind. reg., and departed for the Mexican war June 14. Before starting he was elected second lieutenant. Col. Drake commanded. He served about thirteen months, then returned to farm labor. On January 20, 1850, he set out with others to seek gold in California, where he was very successful. In one year he returned and bought all of Sec. 28, Troy township, Fountain county, known as part of the Hawkins farm. He was married February 8, 1851, to Emiline Ward, daughter of John and Tamer (Masterson) Ward. She was born in Scott county, Kentucky, July 10, 1826, and in that year her parents moved to Fountain, county, Indiana, where they afterward died. Mr. McMannomy became an extensive farmer. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 63d Ind. reg., for the civil war. He was immediately elected second lieutenant, and in twenty-eight days was elected lieutenant-colonel, and in 1863 was promoted colonel. In the spring of 1864 rheumatism compelled him to return home. He resumed farming and now owns 750 acres of land in home-farm, and land in Missouri, and property in Covington, all the outgrowth of energy and tact, having had but a five-dollar blue-back bill when he came to Indiana. He has been a Mason since 1851. He is a democrat in politics. Mrs. McMannomy is a member of the Baptist church. They have had two children: Divvit, born May 14, 1856, and died March 12, 1874; and Emma born November 8, 1867.