Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion Counties-David Major


Portrait and Biographical Record of
Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion Counties

Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893




DAVID MAJOR is a leading business man of Carlton engaged in general merchandising. His life record is as follows: He was born in County Down, Ireland, on the 15th of November, 1831, and was there reared to manhood, no event of special importance occurring during his boyhood days. When he began to earn his own livelihood, he engaged in weaving and followed that trade for some time. Later, he embarked in the mercantile business, which he continued until his emigration to America.

Mr. Major was married in County Down, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Dunn, who was born in that county in the year 1831. They became the parents of twelve children, nine of whom grew to mature years, namely: John, David, William, Samuel, Jane, Martha, Minnie, Lizzie and James. The three deceased children, Grace, Jane and Agnes, all died in childhood. The eldest, John, came to Carlton in the spring of 1886, and opened a general merchandise store, which is now owned by his father. He was a man of excellent business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, industrious and enterprising, and won a well-merited success. In the midst of a prosperous business career his life was ended. He passed away on the 23d of December, 1891, mourned by many friends. David Major resided upon the Emerald Isle until 1873, when he bade good-bye to his old home and with his family emigrated to America. He made a location in Washington County, Pa., and was employed in the mines for two or three years, after which he engaged in various lines of business.

In March, 1886, he came to Dickinson Country, Kan., and settled in Holland Township, where he engaged in general farming for about four and a-half years. On the expiration of that period, he came to Carlton and embarked in the mercantile business, succeeding to the store of his son. He carries a full line of general merchandise and enjoys a good trade. Having followed this pursuit in his native land, he entered into business here with a fund of experience, and from the beginning has constantly increased his trade. He now is proprietor of one of the leading mercantile establishments of Carlton. In connection with his store, Mr. Major still owns his farm of eighty acres in Holland Township.

We find in our subject one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of the community who manifests a commendable interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the town and county. His support is never withheld from worthy enterprises but is cheerfully given to those interests calculated to prove of public benefit. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party and is a strong advocate of its principles and policies. He has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his attention to his business interests. Himself and wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church in Holland Township, in which Mr. Major holds the office of Trustee.



(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for Dickinson County KS AHGP