Patrick Wade

    Patrick Wade, dealer in grain, 251 and 255 W. Main Street, Madison, Indiana, was born March 6, 1842, in Ireland. When only eight years old he came to the United States with his mother, his father having come over to America less than two years before this time, and located in Madison, Indiana.

    His parents were natives of Ireland, and were named Martin and Ann Wade. His father is still living. His mother died September 19, 1872.

    Mr. Wade was educated in the Catholic and public schools of Madison. After leaving school he went to work for his father. In 1864, he secured a position with F. Prenatt & Co., wholesale dealers in groceries and liquors; eh remained with them as clerk about three years, and in 1867 went to Louisville, Kentucky, and secured a position there as stock keeper in a wholesale grocery kept by McKee, Cunningham & Co., remaining two years with them. Then he came back to Madison, Indiana, and took a position with Jas. Hargan & Co. as a clerk in their wholesale grocery and liquor house, remaining with them over thirteen years.

    In March, 1882, he succeeded his father in the feed and grain business, which business he is still in. He also handles seeds in large quantities. And with his business experience, and by giving it his undivided attention, he has built up the larges trade in this line in the city.

    Mr. Wade has been a very successful business man; commencing with a small capital, he now owns two storehouses and one of the finest residences in the city.

    He is a member of the Catholic Church and of the order of the Catholic Knights of America.

    He was married in 1864 to Miss Celia Langan, of Madison, and has six living children, four girls and two boys: Mary, Ella, Maggie, Annie, Martin and John.

    Mr. Wade is a Democrat; he has never held any office, although he has been importuned to run for office at different times, but always refuses because of his business needing his attention.

    Mr. Wade is a man of best character for attention to business, and in all points a good citizen.

    Patrick Wade, Martin Wade's father, was born October 2, 1818, in the County Galway, Parish of Kilkerrin, Ireland. He came to the United States March 7, 1849, and located in Madison, and was engaged in driving a dray for Mr. Martin Mullen, in which employment he remained nine months. He then went to work for Mr. Dawson Blackmore, who was engaged in the commission and pork packing business. He continued with him between six and seven years.

    In the latter part of 1856 he was engaged as wharf master at the depot wharf, where he remained for two years.

    In October, 1858, he opened the feed and grain house now carried on by his son Patrick. He continued in this business until 1881, when he was succeeded by his son. Mr. Wade commenced business with a capital of only $1,000; now he owns three large store buildings on Main street, tow of them occupied by his son Patrick and the other by himself. He has been very successful in business, having made his start in life by hard work, principally by hauling merchandise for some of the largest business houses in the city.

    He is a member of the Catholic Church, and was married by the rev. Patrick Henry, a Catholic priest, to Miss Ann Burns, on the 31st day of January,1841. They had two children -John and Patrick. John was born June 29, 1844, and is now in business in Memphis, Tennessee.

    His parents were James and Ellinor (McLoughlin) Wade. His father was born in 1788, and died in 1858. His mother died about 1866.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.