John Caveny, one of the representative men of Macoupin County,
is superintendent of the County Poor Farm, a position he has filled in a
manner to gain the commendation of the people throughout the county. He has
been engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout a greater part of his
active business life, and owns a fine farm of 120 acres in South Otter
township. He is a native of New Hampshire, having been born in the town of
Dover, August 8, 1849, and is a son of Michael and Ann (Coan) Caveny, both
natives of Ireland.
Michael Caveny came from his native land to the
United States and first located in New Hampshire, where he engaged in
railroad contracting as foreman. He was living in Nebraska at the time of
his death, dying at the advanced age of 86 years. His widow still resides in
that State and, although she has passed the 84th milestone is hale and
hearty, enjoying the best of health. The following children blessed their
home: John; James; Catherine; Mary; Michael; Thomas; Ellen; and two who died
in infancy. Religiously, the members of the family are Catholics. Mr. Caveny
was a strong supporter of Democracy but was never a seeker for political
perferment.
John Caveny, subject of this biography, was but two
years of age when his parents moved from New Hampshire to seek a home and
fortune in the West. They located in Missouri and in 1853 removed to
Sangamon County, Illinois, where John Caveny received his intellectual
training in the common schools. His first experience in the business world
was as a farm hand working by the month, and after following that a few
years he served an apprenticeship to the trade of a carpenter and plasterer.
This trade he followed a short time then returned to agricultural pursuits,
which he has followed with uninterrupted success up to the present time. He
has engaged in diversified farming, and bought and sold cattle extensively.
A man of good moral character, he has always commanded the respect and
confidence of his fellow men, and it was not surprising that they should
recognize his fitness for so responsible a position as superintendent of the
County Poor Farm. He was nominated by the Democratic party in 1902, and his
election followed. One has but to visit this institution to ascertain what
can be done to relieve suffering humanity, and never in its history has the
administration of its affairs met with such hearty commendation at the hands
of the public. Many innovations have marked the management of Superintendent
Caveny, one of the most important being the freedom given those inmates who
are not violent. He encourages them to walk about the farm and take plenty
of exercise, which makes them rest well at night and benefits their health.
The wards are kept scrupulously neat and clean, and the food is carefully
prepared by Mrs. Caveny and their daughter, to both of whom much credit is
given.
Mr. Caveny was united in marriage August 10, 1875, with
Margaret A. Carmody, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of
the following offspring: Thomas; Margaret M.; John F.; Theresa; Peter;
Malicha; Lawrence; and Annie and James, deceased. In religious attachment,
the family are Catholics. Mr. Caveny is a Democrat in politics, and for a
period of nine years served as school director and as commissioner of
highways.
Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 30-32.
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