McMANNOMY, James - Putnam

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.