Springfield-Greene
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ALPONSUS F. FINE. One of the best known retail grocery men in Springfield is Alphonsus. F. Fine, who has been engaged in this line of endeavor on the South Side for a period of twenty-five years, during which time his prestige as a straightforward and conscientious business man and substantial citizen has constantly increased. He did not begin his career with the get-rich-quick idea, but sought to advance himself along steady and legitimate lines, so shaping his course that each succeeding year has found him further advaniced, and with a wider circle of friends.
Mr. Fine was born in Greene county, Missouri, January 30, 1871. He is a son of Felix F. and Martha (Gesford) Fine. The father was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, in 1833, and he is now making his home with our subject in Springfield, having attained the advanced age of four score years. His wife was born in St. Francis county, this state, in 1840, and her death occurred in Springfield in 1886, when forty-six years of age These parents received limited education in the early-day schools and were married in St. Louis county in 1858. They removed to Greene county in 1867 and here Felix F. Fine went into the nursery business, the Fine Nurseries being located three miles west of Springfield, and he made a success of this business, enjoying a large patronage, sending his trees all over this portion of the state. He studied the business thoroughly and understood every phase of it, and took great pleasure in the work. Mr. Fine formerly took considerable interest in political matters, and was elected judge of the county court in 1882 and re-elected in 1884, on the Democratic ticket and he filled the office most acceptably and satisfactorily. He is a member of the Catholic church. He is well known throughout the county and highly respected. He and his wife had but the one child, our subject.
Alphonsus F. Fine grew to manhood in Greene county and assisted his father with the nursery business when he was a boy. He obtained his education in the district schools for the most part, and in 1890 engaged in the grocery business with his father, who was connected with W. F. Durbin under the firm name of Fine & Durbin. In 1897, he engaged in this business for himself at the corner of College and Market streets, where he remained twelve years, and five years ago moved to his present location at 329-331 East Walnut street, where he has a modernly appointed, well-stocked and attractive store, carrying a complete line of staple and fancy groceries and employs a number of assistants. He enjoys a very large trade, including many of the leading families of the city.
Mr. Fine was married, October 20, 1897, in Springfield, to Margaret Coughlin, who was born in Paola, Kansas, August 10, 1875. She received a good common school education. After the death of her father she removed with her mother to Springfield.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fine five children have been born, namely: Gesford F., born March 9, 1899; Margaret, born December 25, 1901; Eululie, born June 10, 1903; Marion, born July 14, 1906; and Martha, born July 1, 1912.
Politically, Mr. Fine is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen. Religiously, he is a member of the St. Agnes Catholic church.
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