My Genealogy Hound

MICHAEL DEGNAN. One of the most prominent citizens of South Bethlehem is introduced at the opening of this sketch. Until a year ago he was prosperously engaged in business in the city, but having accumulated a handsome fortune, he determined to retire and enjoy the fruits of his early toil, and so disposed of his enterprise to his two sons. James M. has charge of the general merchandise department, while Thomas is the manager of the boot and shoe store. They are both wide-awake, enterprising business men, and will no doubt follow in the footsteps of their honored father and become well to do.

The original of this sketch was born in Ireland, in County Longford, in 1837. He is the son of James Degnan, a farmer in his native land, where he lived and died. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Byrne) Degnan, was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and after the decease of her husband married a Mr. Shoudley, whom she accompanied to America in 1842, locating in New Haven, Conn.

Michael, of this sketch, was the youngest of the parental family of five children, and remained in Ireland until 1844, when, a lad of seven years, he came to America with friends, being five weeks in crossing the Atlantic. He, too, located in New Haven, and there attended the common schools until a lad of sixteen years, when he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a silversmith, at which he worked for four years.

Mr. Degnan remained in the Granite State until 1861, the date of his advent into this city, and for four years after coming hither he followed his trade with fair success. Later, going to Easton, he remained there until 1872, being similarly engaged. In 1872 he came to South Bethlehem, where he started in the grocery business on Third Street, and was so successful in this enterprise that he was enabled to add a stock of general merchandise. In 1882 he purchased his present property, erected a good building, 40 x 80 feet in dimensions, three stories and basement in height, and built up an extensive patronage. He later became the proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel, but, not finding time to manage it himself, rents the property. In November, 1893, Mr. Degnan sold his establishment to his two sons, and is now living retired in his beautiful residence.

In 1865 the marriage of our subject was celebrated with Miss Julia Kelly, who was also born in Ireland, and by her union with Mr. Degnan has become the mother of eight children: James M., Thomas L., John J., George P., William J., Joseph, Michael, Jr., and Mary. They have all been given excellent educations and are graduates of the high school.

Mr. Degnan has been School Director for three years from the Second Ward. He was among those who were instrumental in the organization of the market house, incorporated as South Bethlehem Market House, and served for some time as Vice-President of the company. In politics he is a strong Republican, and in religious affairs a member of the Church of the Holy Infancy.