Springfield-Greene
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FRANCIS A. GALLAGHER. The career of Francis A. Gallagher, superintendent of the Springfield Traction Company, has been a varied one, with success in every line to which he has turned his attention, for at the outset he realized that to achieve anything worth while in this world one must not only have big ideas of a practical and sane nature, but there must also be courage, sound judgment, persistency and close adherence to high ideals. He has never waited for some one else to do his planning or to execute his plans, but has been self-reliant and resourceful, and so it is not surprising that he is now filling a very responsible position while yet a young man.
Mr. Gallagher was born February 17, 1875, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. He is a son of Francis A. and Winifred (Collom) Gallagher. The father was born at Painesville, Ohio, in 1850, and the mother's birth occurred in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1851. These parents grew up in their respective communities and received common school educations, and when young in years the father went to Titusville, Pennsylvania, where he established his home, and there he engaged in the oil business. He became a prominent man in politics. He was a member of the Catholic church. His death occurred at Titusville, November 17, 1874, when a young man. His widow still survives, and makes her home in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Francis A. Gallagher, only child of his parents, grew to manhood in his native state and there received a common school and college education. When but a boy he began his railroad career by taking a position with the Erie Railroad Company, working at different office positions. He then went to the Standard Oil Company, working at different places in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. In 1896 he went into construction work for the Pierce Construction Company, building street railways, etc, This firm was located at Bradford, Pennsylvania. Later our subject went to Michigan in the same business for the Marquette Railway Company, remaining there until 1907 when he came to Springfield, Missouri, and took a position as superintendent of the Springfield Traction Company, which he has filled to the present time with his usual eminent satisfaction that has marked all his work in the past. Since coming here he has rebuilt the system, relaying every foot of track, constructing new barns, etc., and has given the people of Springfield a modern and satisfactory street railway. He maintains his offices at 1405 Boonville street. He has always been a close observer and a deep student of his line of work and has therefore kept well abreast of the times in his special field. Mr. Gallagher was married on June 26, 1901, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to Edna Holmes, a native of that place, where she was reared and educated, including both the public schools and a college course of several years. She is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Venetti) Holmes, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew up, were educated and married and established the family home at Bradford where they are well known and influential. Mr. Holmes was engaged in the oil business for many years there.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher three children have been born, namely: Francis A., Jr., born on May 17, 1902, in Bradford, Pennsylvania; John H., born on June 10, 1911, and Mary Elizabeth, born on June 28, 1913.
Mr. Gallagher and family are members of the Catholic church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; at the present time he is state trustee of the latter order, and is one of the active and prominent Elks of Missouri. He and his wife have made many friends since locating in Springfield.
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