Biography - STEPHEN T. CARMODY

Stephen T. Carmody, who occupies the responsible position of treasurer of Macoupin county, has from his infancy been identified with this section of the state. As a farmer and responsible man of business he gained favorable recognition through years of well directed industry previous to his election to his present office. He was born in Greene county, Illinois, December 25, 1861, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Malone) Carmody, both of whom were natives of County Clare, Ireland. In their family were seven children: Margaret, who is the wife of John Cavney, of South Otter township; Ellen, who died when she was about twenty years of age; Susan, who married Patrick Bloomfield, of Carlinville; Stephen T., the subject of this review; James E., who is now living in Seattle, Washington; and Elizabeth and Catharine, both of whom are of Carlinville.

The father of our subject was reared on the Emerald isle. He came to America in 1848 and took up his residence in Greene county, Illinois, where he engaged successfully in farming. In 1867 he removed with his family to South Otter township, Macoupin county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, applying himself with such good results that he became the owner of seven hundred acres in this county. He died in March, 1890, at the age of seventy years, his wife’s death occurring in 1907, when she also had arrived at the age of seventy. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church. Mr. Carmody was highly respected as an honorable and upright citizen. He held various township offices, including those of town clerk and assessor, and always displayed the same interest in the discharge of his duties as public officer that he evinced in the conduct of his own affairs. The grandfather and his wife came to America and passed the remainder of their lives in this country. In their family were Thomas, Michael, Cornelius, John, Mary and Margaret. The grandparents on the maternal side spent their entire lives in Ireland. In their family were several children, among whom were John and Margaret.

Stephen T. Carmody was reared on his father’s farm in Macoupin county from the age of three years and in the district schools he gained the foundation of his education. He also attended Blackburn University for two terms. After leaving the university he returned to farming and is now the owner of the old homestead, which comprises eighty acres and is one of the most valuable farms of its size in the township. On the 7th of November, 1910, he was elected county treasurer and is now making his home in Carlinville.

In February, 1891, Mr. Carmody was married to Miss Alice Pocklington, a daughter of Martin and Mary (Brannon) Pocklington, and two children have been born to this union, Stephen E. and Catharine Madeline. Mrs. Carmody was born in Carlinville. Her father was a native of England and her mother of Ireland. He came to America with his parents at the age of two years and was one of the early settlers of Carlinville. He and his wife both lived to an advanced age and were the parents of three children, Alice, Frank and Edward. Mr. Pocklington was twice married and his first wife was the mother of the following children: Hannah, Sarah, George and James.

The greatest sorrow Mr. Carmody has known was occasioned by the death of his wife, who was called from earthly scenes January n, 1910, she being then forty-nine years of age. She was a devout member of the Catholic, church and possessed many attractive qualities of character. Her memory is deeply revered by all who had the honor of her acquaintance. Religiously Mr. Carmody is identified with the Catholic church, in which he was nurtured, and politically he gives his earnest support to the democratic party. He served as supervisor of South Otter township for fourteen years and by his business-like methods in public office demonstrated his ability for a larger field of activity. He is wide-awake, progressive and thoroughly capable in everything he undertakes.

Extracted 20 Oct 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 170-171.