Luke John Macken was born in 1867 in Hinsdale, Massachusetts. He was a very interesting man with many accomplishments, and his biography is extensive. This post is an introduction. The posts that follow will fill in the details.
Luke's father died when he was 14 years old, so he got a job in a textile mill to help support the family.
Luke's mother extracted a pledge from her children never to drink alcohol and, following her wishes, he became a life-long member of the St. Matthew's Total Abstinence Society. He served for some time as their President.
Luke left his home town of Hinsdale to study business management in Poughkeepsie, NY, and traveled around the country as a salesman. Upon his return to Hinsdale, he was appointed to a 4-year term as postmaster. He then served one term as representative of his district in the Massachusetts Legislature. After moving to Pittsfield, he served the city as an alderman and assessor. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor. For a time he was President of the Pittsfield Board of Trade.
Luke and his brother Thomas opened and operated a successful grocery business for more than 30 years. Luke was an equestrian, managed a baseball team, and one time had the lead in a play.
Upon his death in 1947, many people wrote extensively of their respect for Luke Macken. They noted his integrity, his kindness, and his strong Catholic faith.
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