THOMAS J. CARROLL, who is conducting a grocery business in company with D. A. Turk, the firm being known as Carroll & Turk, has been identified with the upbuilding of Bunker Hill since 1860, and especially has he been prominent in business circles. He came to this city from Alton, Ill., where he had spent the winter of 1859-60, locating there on his emigration from England to America. He was born in Middlewich, England, October 5, 1853, and is of Irish descent, his parents, William and Margaret (Sherlock) Carroll, being natives of the Emerald Isle. However during childhood they went to England, were married in that country and there resided for some years, the father dying in that country at the age of twenty-six years, or in January, 1854. Mrs. Carroll afterward became the wife of Anthony Duffy, in 1858, and the following year they and her two children sailed from Liverpool to New York. From the Eastern metropolis they continued their journey to Alton, Ill., and subsequently came to Macoupin County. Mr and Mrs. Duffy are now residents of Gillespie, where he is engaged in business as a coal miner.

Our subject is the younger of two children born to his parents. The other son, John, died after coming to this country. Thomas was educated in the public schools of this community and when he had attained to mature years he chose as a helpmate on life's journey Miss Fannie Mahoney, a native of the Keystone State, born in 1856. When a child she was brought by her parents to Bunker Hill, and her father, Dennie Mahoney, now makes his home with Mrs. Carroll at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Regan, died in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll began their domestic life in Bunker Hill and their home has been brightened and blessed by the presence of two interesting children, Mary E. and John C. They are members of the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Carroll is a Democrat.

As before stated out subject has been prominently connected with the business interests of Bunker Hill for many years. For three years he occupied the position of inspector of coal mines and for six years did business on his own account in the operation of a coal mine. During the administration of President Cleveland he held the office of Postmaster and proved a capable and faithful official but on the change of administration he was succeeded by a Republican. He is one of the leading members of the Building and Loan Association, being a charter member. Mr. Carroll has ever manifested a commendable interest in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community and the promotion of such enterprises as are calculated to advance the general welfare. In manner he is pleasant and companionable and thereby has won many friends.