Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 82

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 82

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Charies P. Kane attended school at Spriug- field and completed the high school course, then entered the office of Hay, Green & Littier. as a law student, aud was admitted to the Bar at the age of twenty years. He at once entered into practice, served three years as City Attor- ney, and in 1884 was elected Judge of the County Court. Upon retiring from the Bench he resumed private practice. In politicai views Mr. Kane is a Republican casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. U. S. Grant, and in 1892, was the candidate of his party for Con- gress. He has served as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Sangamon County two years and for five years was a member of the Board of Education of Springfield. At one time he was connected with the Illinois National Bank, having aided in its organization. He is a mem- ber of the State Historical Society, has con- tributed a number of historical papers to its records, and is the author of the article iu this work entitled "Early Settlement of Sangamon County." He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. of the Illini Country Club, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Ma- sonic Order. In the latter he has taken forty- two degrees, Including thirty-two of the Scot- tish Rite, and is Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Illinois. Mr. Kane was

umarried November 2, 1881, to Miss Flora Brittin, of Springfield, and they are parents of three children : Caroline M., Flora E. and Philo B.

KANE, William, weil known as the old, reiiabie expressman, of Springfield, has demonstrated what persisteut effort will accomplish. After years of hard work, he has accumulated a coull- fortable competency which will provide for his decliuing years. He was born in Ireland, May 9, 1833, and is one of the best representatives of that genial people to be found in the city. He is a son of George and Elizabeth Kane, both natives of Ireland. In 1840 George Kane, who was a machiuist by trade, left Ireland and brought his family to Vermont, where his re- mainlng years were spent. Although the falu- ily endured many hardships in their new home, none of them regretted the step that brought them to America.

William Kane is practically self-educated. He had learned to farm, and always managed to miugle plenty of healthful sport with his work, frous childhood being of a happy disposition. Leaving home when still a boy, he came west to Ohio, working ou various railroads. From tl:ere he proceeded to Menard County, Ill., and for five years farmed, later going to Cass and Christian Counties, where he continued that occupation. When there was prospect of rail- road work in Sangamon County, he came there, and in 1852 helped to lay the first section of track on the Wabash Railroad to run through the county. Later he established his present express business, and for more than twenty- five years has faithfully carrled it on, proving so trustworthy and reliable that his customers have kept with him, not caring to risk a change.

In 1854 Mr. Kane was married, in Springfield, to Margaret Callahan, born in Ireland. Her parents came to America, settling first iu New Jersey, but later coming on to Sangamon County. Mr. and Mrs. Kane became the parents of chil- dren as follows: John, born May 22, 1855; James, born June 24, 1856, and Elizabeth, born December 24, 1858. One of the sons served in the reguiar army. For a number of years Mr. Kane voted with the Republican party, but now prefers to support the man rather than the platform. A stauch Catholic, he holds mem- bership in St. Agnes Church, of Springfield. Fraternally he belongs to the Maccabees and the Hibernlans. Genial, obliging, with ali the courtesy and good-nature of his people, Mr. Kaue Is known everywhere and universally liked, and his success is certainly well merited.

KAVANAUGH, Daniel .- It is a remarkable fact that so many soldiers of the Civil War, spared from death on the battle-field or in prison, were able to turn so quietly to everyday affairs and make so much of their after lives. That they have done so, the records of every town and hamlet of the country show. One of the men who chose Springfield as a periuanent home after years of more active life, is Daniel Ka-

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vanaugh, of No. 926 East Miller Street. He was born there, iu September, 1845, a sou of Mar- tin Kavanaugh, a uative of Ireland. The par- ents came to America at a very early date, lo- cating in Springfield, where the mother died iu Daniel's infancy. The father was a surveyor, and assisted in surveying much of the land iu and ahout the city. His death occurred in 1860, and all his children, except Daniel, are aiso dead.

The education of Daniel Kavanaugh was se- cured iu the public and parochiai schools of Springfield, while in his odd moments he worked at anything he could find to do. Later he iearned painting and followed that trade for a number of years. Inspired by loyal sentiments, lie enlisted, at Camp Butler, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Voiun- teer Infautry for the 100-day service, then re- enlisted in Company G, Twenty-seventh United States Regulars, and served for the remainder of the war. Among the hard-fought battles of the war in which he took part were those of Lookout Mountain and Shiloh. He went from Cairo, Ill., uuder General Grant to Fort Donel- son, and took part in the engagement there. He was mustered out of the regular service at Cheyenne, Wyo., and remained in the west for about thirty years, but then returned to Spring- field, where he has since made his home, enjoy- ing a well earned rest. He is a member of the G. A. R.

On July 27, 1877. he was married, at Black Hawk. Col., to Maggie Ilolland, born in Supe- rior, Wis., who was a daughter of Irish-born parents, who died in Colorado. Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Kavanangh, two of whom survive: William, of St. Louis ; Maggie, wife of Charles Smith, of Springfield, two children-Anna L. and Marguerite. Mr. Kavanaugh was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln. He has a pleasant home at No. 926 East Miller Strect. In political faith he is a Democrat. A devout Roman Catholic. he belongs to St. Joseph's parish.

KAVANAUGH, Michaei, who owns and occupies a handsome home on Peoria Road, Springfield, has been engaged in mining since he was eight years of age. He was born in Lancashire, England, July 15, 1845, son of Martin and Andrea (Flanagan) Kavanaugh, both of whom died in early ilfe in England. The father was employed on a railroad. One brother of Michael Kavanaugh came to America in 1862 and io- cated in Atlanta, Ga., and became employed in a cotton miii, but he has not been heard from In twenty years. Michael Kavanaugh at- · tended school In his native place and when a smail boy won a prize of $500 for good scholar- ship. After coming to Sangamon Connty he attended night school in the village hall in Ridgeley, during the winter of 1885. He was empioyed In the West Shaft Mine In 1876. Later in the same year he made a trip to the Black Hills, and then walked nine hundred

miies through Dakota, Montana, Idaho and part of Utah, but was not successful, and came back to Springfield. While going through Idaho he was heid up by seven meu, who searched him but found no valuables, and let him pro- ceed ou his way. He returned to Springfield and has continued mining in Saugamon County from then to the present time. He is a mem- ber of the Miuers' Uuiou and takes an active iuterest iu all puhlle affairs. He is an indus- trious and conscientious worker and has the confidence of his associates. Iu politics he is a Republican and he is a member of the Epis- copai Church. He has lived iu his present home since about 1900 and has lived in the neighbor- hood of his home since first settling In the couuty.

Mr. Kavanaugh was married in Springfield, March 16, 1878, to Margaret Wickline, a daugh- ter of Jacob and Mary Wickline, and was born in Shippensburg, Pa., March 2, 1846. Her father came from Germany to the United States as a young man and her mother was born in Shippensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh be- came parents of three sons aud two daughters : Margaret, David John, Frank S., Charles W., and Andrea, all single and at home. By her first marriage Mrs. Kavanaugh had two chil- dren: Martha, wife of John Aller, an electri- cian, ilving in California, and Mary F., a widow, whose husband took part in the Spanish-Amer- ican War.

KAYLOR, John, a retired farmer and prominent citizen of Illiopolis, Ill .. is an honored veteran of the Civil War, iu which he served with credit for three years. Mr. Kaylor is a native of Johnstown, Pa., born March S, 1836, a son of Daniei and Margaret (Ekis) Kaylor, thie former a native of Peunsylvania, and the latter of Hagerstown, Md. The paternal great-grand- father was a Revolutionary soldier. A reiic of him and Revolutionary days is a sugar bowl over 200 years old, owned by Mr. Kaylor. but now in the possession of his daughter, Mrs. Clark of Illiopolis, Ili.

Daniel Kaylor was a farmer, who in 1860, moved to Edgar Couuty, Ill., where he lived on a farm until his death in 1882. his wife having died two years previously. The family were originally from Germany, and the grandfather. Daniel Kaylor also served iu the Revolutionary War. There were elght children born in the family to which John Kaylor belougs: William, John and Theodore, the sons. and Mary A .. Louise. Ellen and Malinda, the daughters. in ad- dition to one who died In infancy. William enlisted in Company H, Fourth Indiana Cavalry during the Civil War, and dled in Anderson- ville prison.

John Kaylor received his education in Penn- syivania. speuding hls boyhood on a farm. As a young man he drove a stage, being in the employ of the Ohio State Company, along the Erie and Pittsburg turnpike, beginning this work in 1853. He drove a coach-aud-six from

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Mercer, Pa., to Iowa City, and after the com- pany moved their outfit of 200 horses and twenty-four stage coaches. he drove two years for the Western Stage Coach Company, oper- ating between Des Moines to Adel, Iowa. He then moved to Edgar County, Ill., and took up farming which he continued from 1858 to 1862, meeting with very gratifying success. On August 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, serving during the re- mainder of the war, receiving his discharge August 12, 1865. He enlisted at Terre Haute, Ind .. and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn.

Mr. Kaylor under the command of General Cook and George H. Purdy, was Captain of his company. He participated in the engagemeut at Perryville, with his division helping in the taking of Nashville; fought at Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, Tenn. ; Huntsville, Ala. ; Chick- amauga and Missionary Ridge, and in the last named battle, this division co-operated with General Grant. Mr. Kaylor took part in the forced march to Knoxville, helped to drive the Confederates to Bulls Gap, Va., then returned to Cleveland, Tenn. May 2, 1864, the cavalry marched to Dalton, Ga., where the company was almost annihilated, only three of them sur- viving the conflict. May 11, 1864, he was de- tailed on courier duty, which he continued un- til September 2, after the capture of Atlanta, when he was returned to his company and regi- ment. Mr. Kaylor participated in the second battle of Nashville, marching with his company to Eastport, Miss., thence, March 6, 1865, to Jacksou, where he took part in the engagement at Selma and Montgomery. and after the sur- render of the latter city to General Wilson, who was commanding the regiment, marched to Columbus, and West Point, Ga., both of which cities were captured. He helped to capture Macon, and soon thereafter peace was declared, Mr. Kaylor having served much of the time as courier, a position similar to that of veterin- ary officer. He is now a prominent member of Morgan Post, No. 208, G. A. R., of which he is Quartermaster. During his term of service, his wife and three children, after being left behind, went to live with her parents. There they remained until the close of the conflict restored the brave husband and father to them. Mrs. Kaylor had two brothers who also re- sponded to the call of their country, and served in the Civil War.

For the past eighteen years, Mr. Kaylor has served as Assessor of his township and city, and in 1910, was elected to another two-year term. He has lived in his present home for the past ten years, and Is retired from active life. He spent many years in hard work, being fairly successful in all his undertakings. Much of his effort was directed along agricultural lines, as he has always loved farming. At the close of the war, he located on a farm near Illi- opolis, which he . cultivated for thirty-eight years. In politics, he is a staunch Republican. and actively interested in public affairs and

issues. He has many warm frieuds in the com- munity, and is universally esteemed. A devout member of the Christian Church, he is willing to further any worthy cause.

Mr. Kaylor was married at Redfield, Dallas County, Iowa, August 16, 1857, to Cerilla Van Norman, born in Knox County, O., May 16, 1837, being a daughter of Theodore Van Nor- man, a farmer, who died iu Buffalo, Dallas County, Mo., where he had located. The mother of Mrs. Kaylor dled in Jacksonville, Ill., in 1880. Mrs. Kaylor died April 13, 1907, having borne her husband uine children, of whom are now living: Theodore, a farmer of Christian County ; William J., a farmer of Illiopolis Township; Amanda, married J. C. Noried, a veterinary surgeon, and they reside at Green- ville, Ill .; Mary Alice Guyton, of Springfield ; Edna, wife of A. A. Clark, a stock-buyer; Charles in the employ of the Sattley Manufac- turing Company of Springfield; Eva, married Frank Correll, a retired farmer of Illiopolis. There are twenty-nine grandchildren and three great-grandchilden in the family.

Revered by all who know him, resting assured of a happy future. uudisturbed by any regrets for his well-spent past, Mr. Kaylor is now en- joying his leisure, and giving close attention to civic matters, for he aims to secure improve- ments where he believes they are needed.

KECK, Simeon .- Springfield and its neighboring towns afford the people of Sangamon County ample opportunity to carry on successfully almost every branch of Industrial endeavor. So many people come to Springfield on account of its being the capital city that there is a con- stant demand for all kinds of commodities, while its shipping facilities are excelled only by the largest cities in the country. One of the progressive men of Buffalo, Mechanicsburg Township, who has associated himself with a number of enterprises, is Simeon Keck, farmer, auctioneer and stock dealer. He was born iu Lanesville Township, Sangamon County, Octo- ber 31, 1871, a son of Benjamin and Polly (Alexander) Keck, the former born in Baden, Germany, July 27, 1838, and the latter in Me- chanicsburg Townshlp, May 29, 1843. The father was a farmer and stock raiser, who came to the United States, landing in St. Louis, in 1852, whence he traveled to Springfield In 1854. The latter city remained his home for ten years, and he then went to Williamsville, but in 1868 moved to Lanesville. where his son was born. In 1895 he moved to Mt. Pulaski, Logan County, Ill., and this is still his home. He is a Democrat, active in party matters, al- though not an office seeker. He belongs to the Christian Church, and fraternally is a Modern Woodman. During his long and useful life he has become a heavy landowner, and gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been associated.

Simeon Keck was given a good public school education in the schools of Lanesville, and

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worked on the farm. From boyhood he has been fond of a good horse, aud a good judge of them. He never cared for hunting, fishing, or other sports, preferring to fiud his recreation in handling stock. He remained with his par- ents until 1898, when he left the farm, moving to Buffaio, where he began handling stock, buy- ing and shipping horses, and during the past twelve years has handled over 1,500 horses, becoming very successful iu this line of busi- ness. He is also an excellent auctioneer, sell- ing in the Peoria stock yards for the Peoria Horse and Mule Commissiou Company ; at the Union Stock Yards, and the St. Louis Stock Yards. For years he was Highway Commis- sioner in Lanesville, being elected on the Dem- ocratic ticket, aud from 1898 to 1901 he was Highway Commisioner in Mechanicsburg Town- ship. In 1900 was elected Supervisor from his township, and was re-elected to the same office in 1910, and is the present incumbent, being a member of the Hospital and Asylum Committee, the Jury aud Jury Lists Committee and the Special Committee on Bridges. He is giving his township, as well as the county, a valuable aud much-appreciated service. His re-election to the office of Supervisor shows his personal popularity, for the township is strongly Re- publicau, and he has always been a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to Buffalo Lodge, K. of P .; Globe Lodge, No. 323, I. O. O. F., Me- chanicsburg ; Lanesville Tent, Modern Wood- men; Springfield Lodge of Elks, and has al- ways been active in the work of these various orders, sparing the time for them from his business cares.

Mr. Keck was married, at Rantoul, Decem- ber, 15, 1904, to Georgia E. O'Connor, born September 17, 1876, in Buffalo, daughter of Rodney and Melvilla (Boal) O'Connor, also of Buffaio. No issue. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor were both born in Sangamon County, and the father survives, conducting a grocery store, but Mrs. O'Connor died a number of years ago. Mr. O'Connor served as Supervisor from Mechanics- burg Township for six years, being elected on the Republican ticket.

Mr. Keck is very energetic, and in addition to his other interests, found opportunity to con- duct a thriving grain business at Buffalo and Dawson for three years, selling in 1907. He and his wife are leaders socially, and entertain extensively at their beautiful home, where ali their friends are made welcome with true hos- pitality.

KEELING, Squire .- Some of Sangamon County's most capable public officials and substantial busi- ness men are native sons of that locality, and, having spent their lives there, are more than ordinarily interested in the development and progress of the county. One of these is Squire Keeling, a farmer of Section 19, Rochester Township, born in Springfield, April 26, 1839, a son of Louis and Nancy (Dawson) Keeling, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively.

The father, who was a brickmaker by trade, came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Rochester Township. At first he conducted a grist mili, but later engaged in the manufacture of brick. For eighteen years he continued in this business, and supplied the material for many of the older structures now standing in Springfield. Retiring from active business, he lived in comfort until his death, in 1857. His widow survived him until 1886. There were twenty-two children in the family of Louis Keeling.

While attending the Springfield schools, Squire Keeling helped his father in the brick yard, but when he worked on his own account, at first, it was at teaming. He then worked as a carpenter for several years. For eleven years he was a member of the city police depart- ment, under Mayor Jayne, Mayor Vincent and others, finally serving as Sergeant under Mayor Smith, for two years. Then, for the following two years, he was connected with the City Hall, but in 1905 he went to Rochester Town- ship and bought land on Section 18, and since then has been farming.

The marriage of Mr. Keeling took place in 1861, to America Woodruff, born in Kentucky, where her father died, but her mother came to Illinois, settling in Clear Lake Township, where her death occurred in 18SS. Mrs. Keel- ing died in 1902, having had no issue. Mr. Keeling is a Republican, and has always been active in his party. During his eventful life he has witnessed mauy changes, and enjoys telling of tbem. He has always endeavored to do his full duty as he saw it, and is justly numbered among the representative men of his time.

KELLEY, John Q. (deceased) .- When a man has lived uprightly, striving through a useful life to care for those dependent upon his exer- tions, and has done his duty as a man and a citizen, his loss is keenly felt when he passes out of the community. When such a man is also geuial and kind-hearted. then, indeed, inis place is difficult to fiii. Such a man was the late John Q. Kelley, formerly residing at No. 1917 East South Grand Avenue, Springfield. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, April 22, 1834, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Maryfield) Kelley. The parents were early settlers of Ohio, but came to Charleston, Coles County, Iii. in 1837, and this was the family home until the death of the father. The mother then moved to Springfield and made it her place of resi- dence until death claimed her. She had four sons, all of whom are now deceased.

John Q. Kelley was educated in Coles County and early learned the carpenter's trade, follow- ing it in Charleston untii 1875. Iu that year he came to Springfield and continued work at his trade on many of the public buildings. He did the carpenter work on the First Christian Church, of which he was a consistent member. When his country had need of him, he enlisted

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in Company C, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel MacMitchell, serving three years and participating in some of the important engagements of the great struggle. He was discharged at Camp Butler as Corporal. For some years prior to his demise he was an enthusiastic member of Stephenson Post. No. 30, G. A. R. In politics be was a Democrat.

On August 1, 1861, Mr. Kelley was married, in Charleston. Ill., to Miss Arrilla Maryfield, born there March 16. 1845, daughter of John and Hannah (Scholey) Maryfield, both of whom died when Mrs. Kelley was quite young. Mr. Maryfield was a native of Ohio and a brick mason, following his trade in Charlestou until his death. Mrs. Kelley had one brother, John A. Maryfield, of Danville. Mrs. Kelley bas five children now living: Nicholas. of Springfield ; Mary, wife of James Hilton; Mae, wife of Jacob Neeceman. a tailor ; Maude, wife of Wil- liam J. Fitzgerald, in the employ of the Street Railway Company ; Joshua, in the employ of the City Water Works, lives with bis motber. There are six grandchildren in the family.

Mrs. Kelley is in receipt of a widow's pension from the Government, which recognizes her husband's services to his country. Mr. Kelley knew many great men of his times. including Abraham Lincoln, whom he always tenderly re- called.

KELLEY, Matthew, of Springfield, is a native of that city, born March 10, 1862, son of Andrew and Mary (Grenneis) Kelley. Andrew Keliey was born in Limerick, Ireland, about 1822, and came to the United States when a young man, landing in New York. He came direct to Spring- field, where he worked in the gas house until compelled by old age to retire from active life, and died In 1907. He was a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. By his first marriage Andrew Kelley had children as foliows : Jchn, went West; Margaret, deceased ; Matthew; Kate, deceased; Nellle married WII- liam Culligan, of Joliet. Ill. His first wife died over forty years ago and be married (second) Mary Lundregan, who still resides in Springfield, and they had three children, namely : James and May, of Springfield, the latter a physician ; Margaret married Thomas Neely.

In boyhood Matthew Kelley attended the Cath- olic schools that were taught by the Brothers and Sisters of the Church, and when eight years old began driving a grocery wagon for Larry Fortune. When fifteen years old he be- gan working in the rolling mills and In 1882 went to Hot Springs, Ark., where he conducted a restaurant. In 1887 he returned to Spring- field and worked nine years as clerk for Thomas Hogan, then embarked in the transfer and hotel business, which he has since continued. His hotel is located at 1022 East Washington Street, and he runs three wagons. He is industrious and energetic and has been fairly successful in a business way. He is not a member of any church, but Is a man of good principles,

honest aud upright in all his dealings. In politics he is a Democrat.

Mr. Kelley was married, in Peoria, Ill., in 1897, to Miss Lillie Miller, of Springfield, daugh- ter of Mrs. Susan Miller, and two children have blessed this unlon: Willard Glenn, born in 1900, and Charles Herman, born July 14, 1902.

KELLY, Frank Joseph .- Springfield is not only the capital of the State, but a distributing cen- ter for a wide contiguous territory that looks to it as a source of supply. The railroad facilities are such that transportation is good and other conditions are ideal for its prominence as a manufacturing and industrial ` center. These facts are being recognized by the practical men of the State, many of whom are locating here and developing large concerns. One of the live, representative business men of the city is Frank Josepb Kelly, who has made Springfield bis home since 1895, and to whose influence and business tact and abllity, much of the present prosperity of D. A. Stuart & Co., is due.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 82

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774