John A. and James C Connor, Contractors - 1891

"John A. Connor is a member of the firm of Connor and McCann, contractors and builders of Evanston, Ill., who established their business in the fall of 1890.  Although they have only been in business a short time, they are already becoming known as responsible and able contractors and builders, and are rapidly building up a large patronage.  They have erected many handsome structures in Evanston, among which may be mentioned a triple residence in South Evanston for W. H. Blake, residence on Judson avenue for Mr. Joy, Mr. Dunham and Mrs. Childs.  Mr. Connor is a native of Ireland, born in County Wexford in 1854.  At the age of two years he was brought by his parents, James and Anastasia Connor, to the United States, their location at Evanston, Ill., taking place soon after, of which place the the father is still a resident. The mother died in 1884.  John A. is the fourth of their six children, four of who are living, and in the town of Evanston he was brought up, receiving a thorough training in the public school of that place, and afterwards clerking in a store.  After the great fire of 1871 he began to learn the carpenter's trade with his brother, James C. Connor, who for many years was the leading builder of Evanston, and constructed many of the best buildings there.  He remained with his brother for several years, finally acting in the capacity of general foreman and superintendent until his brother's death, in November, 1890.  The above mentioned firm was established, with Mr. Connor and Daniel McCann as partners, the latter having also been with James C. Connor for some years.  Mr. Connor belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, is a democrat politically, and he and his family worship in the Catholic church, of which they are members. He was married in 1877 to Miss Katherine White, a native of Ireland, who died in 1883, leaving three children: Annie, Lillie and Nellie, who is deceased.  In 1885, he married Miss Mary Bowler, a native of Ireland, by whom he has three children: Frank, Loretta, and Theresa (deceased)....

"They do the largest contracting of any firm in their line in Evanston, and keep constantly employed a large and skilled force of workman.  they have done important work for W. B. Phillips, for J. M. Larimer, for T. C. Hoag, for Daniel H. Burnham, for Theodore Price, W. H. Blake, F. S. Joy, George B. Dunham, Mrs. George Watson and many others throughout the city....

"In 1889 Mr. McCann, accompanied by Mr. James C. Connor, enjoyed a European trip, visiting the Mediterranean, Rome, Naples, Alexandria and Cairo, passing through the Suez canal to the Holy Land, where they spent some time visiting the principal historical spots.  They were with a party of tourists known as the First American Catholic Pilgrimage, and were gone six months.  On his return he visited his native land, passing also through England and Scotland."

Industrial Chicago: The Building Interests, Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Company, Vol. 1, 1891, page 746-747.

Note: Upon James C. Connor's return to the US there were short items in the Evanston Index noting James C. Connor's was of ill health.  Even though this book was published in 1891, James C. Connor died in 1890.