My Genealogy Hound

JOHN DINAN, who is prominent in local politics, being a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, is a Councilman in South Bethlehem. He is one of the oldest employes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and now occupies the position of Supervisor of the Pottsville Division. A native of County Clare, Ireland, our subject was born in 1833 or 1834, being one of ten children, whose parents were Patrick and Margaret (Dullahanty) Dinan. They were both natives of Ireland, and there the father, who during life followed agricultural pursuits, departed this life. His wife came to America with her children, and her death occurred in South Bethlehem. All but one of her seven sons and three daughters arc still living, three of her sons being residents of Bethlehem, and four sons living near Wilkes Barre.

John Dinan, who is next to the eldest of his parents’ children, passed his boyhood on his father’s farm, and when sixteen years of age, in 1850, set sail from Liverpool on the “Isaac Wright,” and after six weeks and two days on the Atlantic landed in New York City. He found himself in the New World with only two shillings and six-pence in his pocket, and without friends or acquaintances. Going to Jersey City, he obtained employment on the Central Railroad, working in the construction department until the road was finished. Two weeks later he went with a corps of engineers to help locate and aid in the construction of the Belvidere Railroad, and he continued in that line until the completion of the road. Samuel Logan, a friend, who was employed with the Lehigh Valley Road, then asked him to take charge of the gang of men on the section between Bethlehem and Redington. This was April 11, 1856, and taking the place, he continued as foreman until 1875, when, in March, he was made Assistant Roadmaster of the Lehigh Division, with headquarters at Laury’s, having also in his charge the supplies of that division. Faithfully remaining in that position until June, 1893, Mr. Dinan was then given a similar post at Packerton, which he held for one year. June 1, 1894, he was appointed to his present position as Supervisor of the Pottsville Division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, this branch extending from Lizard Creek Junction to Blackwood, and a small line running from Yarke Farm. The headquarters of Mr. Dinan are at Lizard Creek Junction, though he makes his home at No. 230 Third Street, Bethlehem.

In 1855 John Dinan was married in Easton to Miss Julia Mangan, who was born in Ireland, and was brought in infancy to Easton. To our subject and wife have been born eight sons and three daughters: Thomas, who is Postmaster of East Mauch Chunk; James, who is foreman on a gravel train on the Lehigh Valley Road; William, signal foreman; Michael, who is a machinist in the shops of the Bethlehem Iron Company; Eward, attending Lehigh University; Joseph, Raymond and Leo, who are at home; Julia, Mrs. McDaniel, and Annie, Mrs. Govern, both residents of South Bethlehem; and Emily, who is at home.

When the church of the Holy Infancy was erected Mr. Dinan was active in its support, and to this he and his family belong. For two years he was a member of the South Bethlehem Council from the Third Ward, and is now Chairman of the Fire Committee, also on the Street and other committees. Many times he has served as a delegate to the Democratic county and state conventions, and he has also been a member of the County Democratic Standing Committee.