Mount Prospect in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Meyn
January 7, 1863 — December 2, 1947
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
1. John Meyn Marker
The shop was situated in the "triangle," prime property bordered by Main Street, Busse Avenue and Northwest Highway, which was a dirt wagon road adjacent to the railroad tracks. Known as the King of Trades, blacksmithing was essential to the survival of the community, which depended on horses for farming and transportation. John Meyn wrought iron tools, hardware and shoes for the horses. He also made and repaired the horse-drawn wagons that were so crucial to keeping goods and services moving. He was often at his forge, hammer in hand, pounding iron and shoeing horses from 5 am to 11 pm to meet the needs of the expanding community.
In 1886, John married Christine Henningsmeier, one of ten daughters who lived on a farm south of town. Their home was the first built in the village center. Constructed
this page online
The Meyn family was a major force in the early development of Mount Prospect. Herman followed his father into the blacksmith trade, became the second mayor, and was a founding member and the fourth chief of the fire department. William built a grocery store, an early institution in the community, on the north side of the triangle. After cars began to replace horses and wagons, John Meyn introduced the first gas pump to the village, while his son, John Jr., used his mechanical skills in a local auto shop.
The Village of Mount Prospect is indebted to John Meyn, whose craft, skill, and industry were indispensable in transforming a single wagon lane running through farmland into the present vibrant community.
[Caption beneath the photo on the left:]
Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.
from "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Erected 2017
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
2. John Meyn Marker in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 42° 3.89′ N, 87° 56.131′ W. Marker is in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in Cook County. It is at the intersection of Emerson Street and Busse Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Emerson Street. The marker is one of five in front of the Mount Prospect Village Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect IL 60056, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Centennial Green
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
3. Close-up of photo of John Meyn (1863-1947)
More about this marker. The marker is one of five erected in front of the Mount Prospect Village Hall in 2017 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Mount Prospect's incorporation as a village. Five plaques affixed to the village hall also honor five of the people honored on these markers.
Also see . . . John Meyn bio. From the Mount Prospect Historical Society. (Submitted on October 28, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 27, 2026
4. Five markers in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall
The markers were erected in 2017 in honor of Mount Prospect's 100th anniversary as a village.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
