Last Updated on March 12, 2013 by
P. H. Monahan, the father of the broom corn interests of Arcola and a highly esteemed citizen of that place, was born in County Galway, Ireland, February 19, 1837. His parents were John and Mary (Shiel) Monahan, natives of the same County. At the age of thirteen years young Monahan emigrated from his native land to America and settled in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Later he came west and located in Arcola, which at that time was a mere hamlet. Here Mr. Monahan was married to Hannah Quirk, who was a native of Douglas County and a sister of the late John Quirk, of Arcola. To Mr. and Mrs. Monahan have been born four children : Marie, now residing in New Mexico; Thomas, the present mayor of Arcola, and Henry and Katie.
P. H. Monahan has served in the town council and was chairman of the board. His mother died in 1862, and his father died when Mr. Monahan was only three months old. He is one of the old landmarks of Arcola, having resided here nearly half a century, and is universally respected by everybody.