Thomas J. Doyle

biography

Doyle, Thomas J., merchant tailor, Meadville, was born at Cavan, Ireland, November 30, 1842, son of Patrick F. and Mary (McFarland) Doyle, the former a native of Ireland the latter of Paris, France. Mrs. Patrick F. Doyle’s father, James McFarland, had strong political sentiments, and was so candid and zealous in expressing his fidelity to the rebel cause, that he was forced to flee his country, and, together with his family, he resided for three years a refugee in France, and it was within this period that the mother of our subject was born. She has long survived her husband, and at this writing (fall of 1884) resides at Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Ireland. Patrick F. and Mary Doyle had born to them eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who attained majority are—James, residing in St. Louis, Mo.; William, deceased; Kate, now Mrs. John White, in New York City; and Thomas J. Our subject came to America in 1859, and first located in New York City, engaging with James Johnson as an apprentice to the trade he now follows. Previous to leaving Ireland he had served two and one-half years in the same vocation. He remained in New York City, perfecting himself in his trade, with different firms, until the spring of 1865. May 1 of that year he came to Meadville, Penn., where he has since resided. He was first employed by Porter & Cowell, remaining with them in the capacity of cutter for four years. Next he engaged with Reefer & Orris, with whom he served from 1869 to 1878. In this latter year he again changed employers, and began to work for I. N. Klein, with whom he continued until the latter removed to Cleveland, Ohio, to embark in the wholesale trade. This was in 1881, at which time Mr. Doyle began business on his own account, opening out at 250 Chestnut Street, Meadville. He continued here for two years, then in 1883 formed a co-partnership with W. H. Gaskill, under the firm name of Gaskill & Doyle. They began to do business at 208 Chestnut Street, in the Opera Building, and from the first their business was highly prosperous. In January, 1884, the Opera House was consumed by fire. Gaskill & Doyle rescued most of their stock, but sustained a loss of S1.000. They resumed business at once, and at this writing (fall of 1884) are located at 227 Chestnut Street. Mr. Doyle is a Democrat, candid in his manner and statements, a good friend, and devoted to his family. He married, December 22, 1863, Miss Julia A., daughter of James Housten, Esq., of Meadville, Penn. Their union has been blessed with five children, four now living: Mary J., William H., Kittie E. and E. Grace.

History of Crawford County, Pennsylvania: containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men, biographies, history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1885, page 733-734.