History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 233
are members of the Order of the Eastern Star and Mr. Luckey is
afiiliated also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Masonic lodge. He gives his political allegiance to the republi-
can party. His attention is, however, confined largely to his
farming interests, in the management of which he has met with
gratifying and well deserved success.
EDWARD VAILE.
Edward Vaile, a well known merchant of Dixon, now senior
partner in the firm of Vaile & O'Malley, ow^es his success not to
any fortunate combination of circumstances, but to his perseverance
and industry, intelligently directed. Dixon is his birthplace,
his natal year being 1874. He is a son of John and Mary
(Vaughan) Vaile, who in 1864 came to Lee county, settling on a
farm south of Dixon.
In his boyhood days Edward Vaile was a pupil in the public
schools of his native city and later had the advantage of a course
in Dixon college. He entered upon his present business in March,
1901, organizing the firm of Vaile & O'Malley, his partner in the
enterprise being George F. O'Malley. This connection has since
continued. They deal in clothing, shoes and men's furnisldng
goods. Their store was originally located at 204 West First street,
but since then their growing trade has necessitated two removals
and in 1909 they came to their present place of business where they
occupy a large building with a frontage of fifty feet and a depth
of ninety feet. They carry a large and atti'active line (^f goods
and employ five people to take care of their trade. Mr. Vaile is
also owner of two other stores, one at Sterling. Illinois, which was
established in 1907 and another at De Kalb, established in 1913.
Thus he is gradually extending his business connections and already
ranks with the leading merchants of this part of the state.
His judgment is soimd, his discrimination keen and his close conformity
to high business standards has also been one of the strong
elements of his success.
Mr. Vaile was married to Miss Anna Hennessey, a native of
Dixon and they occupy an attractive home which is the abode of
warm-hearted hospitality. They hold membership in the Catholic
church and Mr. Vaile belongs to the Knights r.f Columbus. He
is also a member of the Elks and he gives his political support to