J. W. Hanna, book and music store, Mattoon; was born in Freeport, Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1848; he derived his education from the common schools, and, at the age of 13 years, began clerking in his father’s general merchandising establishment at Deersville, Ohio; July 4,1866, he came West, stopping a short time at Preston, Minn., and, in September following, came to Mattoon, where he attended school six months; he then entered the employ of Finley & Richardson as clerk in their book store; in October, 1869, he and his brother James R., bought out the firm, and in May, 1871, sold out to a Mr. Decker; J. W. then formed a partnership with Geo. P. McDougal and opened a new-store; in 1872, McDougal retired, and the firm became that of Thieleus & Hanna;. in October, 1877, he sold out to Thieleus, and, Nov. 20 following, purchased his present business. He was married, July 25, to Mary E. Henderson, a native of Marion Co., Ohio; four children have blessed their union-Gertrude, Ethel, William, living, Charles, deceased.
