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MARTIN MALONEY

In respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environment and circumstances we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which can not only endure so rough a test, but gain strength through the discipline. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch has, in spite of obstacles, succeeded in his life’s work to a satisfactory degree and has also earned and retains the regard and high esteem of all with whom he is acquainted, standing today as one of the representative men of the community in which he resides. As the mayor of the thriving city of Fayette he is making a record highly complimentary to himself and entirely satisfactory to the citizens.

Martin Maloney is a native of Savannah, Illinois, where he first saw the light of day on March 2, 1858. He is the son of John and Mary (Hulbert) Maloney, who were well known and highly respected residents of that city. The subject received his education in the schools of his native place, graduating from the high school at the age of sixteen years. In the fall of 1874 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Sabula, Iowa, and there he entered the telegraph office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad as a student of telegraphy. He rapidly acquired proficiency and in the following fall he was given a position as telegraph operator on the same road. In 1877 he was transferred by the company to Dubuque, Iowa, a much better position. He retained this position until the fall of 1882, when his eyesight failed to such an extent that he was incapacitated for duty, being hardly able to get around without assistance. He resigned his position and during the following two years did no work, devoting himself entirely to the treatment and care of his eyes, which steadily improved. In the spring of 1885 Mr. Maloney returned to the railroad and was given a position at Bellevue, Iowa, where he remained until the spring of 1892, when he was promoted to the position of train dispatcher, with headquarters at Marion, Iowa. He performed the responsible duties of this position to the entire satisfaction of the railroad company and in February, 1899, he received another substantial promotion, being transferred to Fayette and placed in entire charge of the company’s business at this place. His duties are multitudinous here, for besides being agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, he is also agent for the Wells, Fargo & Company Express and local manager for the Western Union Telegraph Company. He is a busy man, but is systematic and energetic and handles his work easily and in a manner that has at all times won the approval of his superiors. He is accommodating and courteous in his relations with the public and is well liked by all who have dealings with him. Mr. Maloney has always taken a keen and intelligent interest in local public affairs. He was originally allied with the Democratic party, but in the political upheaval and new alignments of the parties in 1896 he found that principles of the Republican party to be most nearly in harmony with his own ideas, and he chose to be true to his own honest convictions rather than longer cling to a party that did not represent his views. Since 1896 he has been actively identified with the Republican party. He has not been a seeker after political honors, but in 1908, under rather peculiar conditions that prevailed in Fayette, he was induced to accept the nomination for mayor on the Independent ticker. He made the race, and, although the city is normally strongly Republican, he was elected by the handsome majority of eighty votes. He has given an honest and faithful attention to the duties of the position and is giving the city a good businesslike administration.

On December 11, 1879, Mr. Maloney was united in marriage with Eva Confere, a daughter of David and Caroline (Long) Confere, highly respected residents of Lyons, Iowa, where the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Maloney occurred. To this union has been born one daughter, Cora Irene, who is a graduate of the Upper Iowa University and is now assistant principal of the schools at Strawberry Point, Iowa. Religiously Mr. Maloney is a member of the Congregational church, to which he gives an earnest and liberal support. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of many estimable qualities and his friends are in number as are his acquaintances, his popularity being attributed to his sterling worth and genial disposition."

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Georgianna Gray