Carroll, Joseph C.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

Joseph C. Carroll, who for thirty years was identified with the business interests of Racine and was recognized as a man of strict business integrity as well as of ability, was born in Racine December 25, 1850, and was a son of the late Michael W. Carroll, one of the ablest attorneys and school teachers of the state and also a veteran of the Civil war. Joseph C. Carroll acquired his early education in the public schools and high school of Racine and manifested unusual aptitude in his studies, so that he became well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. For almost three decades he was closely associated with the business interests of Racine, becoming head clerk of the Goodrich Transportation Company, in which capacity he served for an extended period under George W. Scanlon as agent. On leaving that position he became connected with the Ibing Furniture Company, acting as undertaker and business manager for several years. After the death of Alonzo Glass he became associated with the E. L. Hedstrom Coal Company, acting as its agent. He continued with that company until it closed out its business and he was also with Charles T. Wright in the lumber business. He was associated with many other enterprises of the city and about fourteen years prior to his demise established the J. C. Carroll coal yards and continued actively in business on his own account until his death, in connection with his activity along other lines. He was always interested in real estate and promoted some large transactions of that character, winning substantial success as the result of his real estate transfers. In business circles he was considered a man of the strictest integrity and honor, of sterling attributes and of sound judgment, so that his advice was often sought by many of the city's leading business men.

In 1885 Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Catherine Kinney of Racine, a daughter of Terence and Ellen Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll had one daughter, Estella Josephine, now a student in the Sacred Heart Academy at Lake Forest, Illinois, having entered that school in 1912. The Carroll residence is a commodious home which he had remodeled and beautified in every way, sparing neither effort nor expense that would add to the attractiveness of the place and promote the comfort and happiness of his family. He was a most hospitable host and ever extended a cordial welcome to his guests.

Mr. Carroll belonged to the Masonic lodge and to Racine Commandery and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was ever upright and honorable, kind-hearted, generous and ready to assist the poor and needy. His benefactions were many, yet of these he made no ostentatious display. In matters relating to Racine he manifested marked public spirit and was ever ready to do anything that would promote the growth and welfare of his city. Mrs. Carroll still occupies the family residence and is well known in Racine. She is a member of St. Rose Catholic church. It was on the 22nd of January. 1908, that Mr. Carroll passed away, dying of typhoid pneumonia when fifty-seven years of age. The news of his death came as a shock to his many friends, for he had not long been in ill health. Not feeling thoroughly well, however, he left his home for Palisades, Colorado, to visit his sister. The high altitude seemed to prove detrimental and he returned to his home, going to the Pennoyer Sanitarium, where the disease developed that terminated his life. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, not the least of which was his capacity for strong friendships, and all who were closely associated with him mourned his death, while wherever he was known he was held in the highest respect and esteem.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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