The full biographical sketch as printed in 1922, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
TIMOTHY J. DACY.
Timothy J. Dacy, now deceased, was formerly one of the most substantial business men of Woodstock, and one who left behind him a record for upright dealing and kindly actions. For years he was one of the leading dealers in agricultural implements of the county, and he was known throughout this region as few men are. He was born in Ireland in 1838, and when he was twelve years old his parents started for the United States, but while on the ocean the good mother died and was buried at sea. After reaching this country, the little party came to McHemy County and located in Hartland Township, where the father obtained work with the railroad, but the children were thrown upon their own resources, and Timothy J. Dacy early learned to be self- supporting. For some years he worked for Robert Forrest, and in the winters attended school whenever it was possible for him to do so.
Leaving farm work, in 1861, Mr. Dacy came to Woodstock, entering the employ of John J. Murphy, dealer in grain and wool, and remained with him for several years. In 1863 Mr. Dacy's interest was aroused in a patent gate, and he was induced to invest his savings in it, and he purchased the right to sell it in a small territory, later acquiring a larger field until he sold the gate all over the United States and Canada, and met with a very gratifying success. In 1865 he returned to Woodstock and embarked in a farm products business, continuing that until he formed a partnership with W. B. Austin for the purpose of handling farm implements, which business was carried on until March, 1880, although in the meanwhile Mr. Dacy had become the sole owner, but in that month the entire plant was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $20,000, which was only covered by $2,000 insurance. Mr. Dacy immediately set to work clearing away the debris, and sold at auction the damaged farm machinery, as well as other goods he immediately ordered, and in this way acquired a working capital, and made his name known throughout a wide territory. Mr. Dacy then formed a partner- ship with J. D. Donovan, which continued for three years, Mr. Dacy again becoming sole owner of his business, continued as such until his
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death, being (lien recognized as the leading man in handling agricultural implements in the county.
In 1869 Mr. Dacy married Lucinda Donnelly, a daughter of Neill Donnelly, now deceased, and they became the parents of four children, namely: Charles F., Albert E., Alice B. and George H., who, with his widow survived him. Mr. Dacy met his death August 1, 1896, when he was struck by a train at his home depot, and died soon thereafter. Stricken clown in the very prime of his usefulness, he was mourned by the whole community, and it was a long time before his place was filled. He had always taken an active part in public matters, and had been one of the promoters of the County Fair Association, doing much to make the annual meetings a success. St. Mary's Catholic church held his membership, and it was from its portals that his remains were carried to their last resting place in Calvary Cemetery. Years have passed since Mr. Dacy died, but the results of his upright life remain, and have their influence on the life of the region in which he spent the greater portion of his useful and honorable career.
Source: History of McHenry County, Illinois (1922. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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