James Lonergan

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

As a well known contractor, Mr. LONERGAN has for the past eighteen years been conspicuously identified with the building interests of Morristown. He is a native of Ireland, his birth having taken place in county Tipperary on the 13th of March, 1852, a son of James and Bridget (KENNEDY) LONERGAN. The father came to America with his family in 1853 and settled in Morristown, where he followed gardening until his death, which occurred June 1, 1876. His wife departed this life July 19, 1873. Their two children were

our subject and
Catharine, who became the wife of Thomas MC CARTY, of New York city, and now a resident of Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

James LONERGAN was reared in Morristown, and there he attended the parochial schools until attaining his sixteenth year. The first money he ever had paid to him for services rendered came from a farmer, for whom he worked. After having spent one and one-half years in the plumbing trade with Thomas J. FITCH, of New York city, at the age of eighteen years he became apprenticed to the old-time contractors, Schenck & Young, and upon the completion of his term he worked as a journeyman during the ensuing eight years, after which he became associated with Mr. Brown, under the firm name of Lonergan & Brown, contractors. This partnership was continued until 1894, when it was dissolved, and since that time Mr. LONERGAN has been conducting business on his own responsibility. A few of the best structures that display his handiwork are the Catholic school, Young Men's Catholic Association building, the Catholic rectory, the Memorial Hospital and the residences of Mr. TEABOUT, Thomas BUSHNELL and H. F. TAYLOR.

Mr. LONERGAN is affiliated with the fraternal order known as the Knights of Honor, and he is an honorary member of the truck companies of Morristown. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, but does not take an active interest in party affairs other than to make use of his elective franchise and cast his ballot on election day.

The marriage of Mr. LONERGAN was solemnized January 30, 1893, when he was united to Miss Mary Agnes MC CARTY, a daughter of John and Nora (MC CARTY) MC CARTY, and of their children two sons survive:

James, who was born October 2, 1894; and
John, whose birth occurred May 7, 1896.

Mr. and Mrs. MC CARTY are devout members of the Church of the Assumption, Roman Catholic.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.

This page was last modified on: 01 January, 2014