Ghost signs, Austin

"In 1875, one Thomas Cusack, a youth in his teens, started a business with only a paint pot and brush and a remarkable personality as assets. The business consisted in painting advertising signs on the sides of buildings in a small way. Gradually, he took to building billboards of his own, and leasing suitable walls and other locations for outdoor advertisements." -- Time, 1924

"Cusack. Thomas, outdoor advertising; born Ireland, Oct. 5, 1858; son John and Dehlia (Mc- Mahon) Cusack; came to New York with parents when 3 years old; lost parents 2 years later; came to Chicago in 1863; attended pub. and private schools here and St. Xavier's Coll.. New York; married Elinor Ross, 1891 (died 1894); married 2d, Mary E. Greene, at Yonkers, N.Y., July 10, 1895; children: Anna, Thomas, Charles, Francis and Evelyn. Learned sign painting trade and in Dec. 1875 started In the advertising sign business as Thomas Cusack & Co., Incorporated 1903, as Thos. Cusack Co., of which has since been pres.; co. has branches In all parts of U.S. Was mem. Chicago Board of Edn., 1891-8 (vice-pres. of board, 1896, 1897, 1898); on staff of Gov. Altgeld, with rank of col., 1893-7; mem. 56th Congress, 1899-1901, 4th 111. Dist. Has served as mem. of the State Central Dem. Com.; del. Dem. Nat. Convention. Denver, 1908. Mem. Art lust, of Chicago, Chicago Assn. of Commerce. Clubs: Chicago Athletic, Westward Ho Golf. Recreations: handball and golf. Residence: 639 S. Ashland Boul. Office: Cor. W. 15th and Throop Sts." -- The Book of Chicagoans, A.N. Marquis & Co., 1911 via Google Book Search.