Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 83

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 83

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Mr. Kelly was born in Cleveland, Obio, Febru- ary 13, 1866, a son of Keran and Ellen (Bren- nan) Kelly, natives of Ireland. Mr. Keily learued the trade of merchaut tailoring in his native land, and when he came to the United States in 1847, he located in Cleveland, Ohio, and for some years engaged in its prosecution. Later, however, he embarked in a dray and transfer business. continuing it until his death, wbich occurred November 6, 1891. His widow survives, making her home in Cleveland, Obio. She and her husband had ten children, four of whom survive, Mr. Kelly of this record being the only living son. The father of these chil- dren was a Democrat in political views and all his life was a consistent Catbolic, and brought up bis family in that faitb.

Frank Joseph Kelly attended St. Patrick's parish school in Cleveland, leaving when four- teen years of age. He began working at that time in the brass foundry of J. V. Kennedy, re- maining with him from November 7. 1SS0, to 1892, remained there until March 31, 1895, when he came to Springfield, to engage as traveling man for D. A. Stuart & Co., dealers in oils, and made himself so valuable, that soon thereafter, be was offered a partnership, and is now a mem- ber of the firm. This well-known bouse in its line of business covers a large territory through- out the Middle West, where the quality of their produce commands large sales.

Wbile Mr. Kelly's sympathles are with the principles of the Democratic party, in local af- fairs he believes in voting for the man and measure calculated to prove of the most benefit to the people at large. He has never cared for office, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen, and in that capacity he has al- ways been a strong advocate of local improve- ments and good government. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Catho- lic Mutual Benefit Association and the Loyal Americans, being collector for the Catholic Mu-

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tual Benefit Association. He is a good Catholic, being a consistent member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

On Juue 14, 1893, Mr. Keliy was married iu Cleveland, Ohio, to Mary Frauces Lynch, daugh- ter of Matt. and Maggie (Walsh) Lynch, na- tives of Ireland and Cleveland, respectively. Mr. Lynch was an engineer on the Big Four Railroad, and his engine pulied the Lincoin funeral car. The death of this good man oc- curred Jnly 9, 1898, but his widow survives, and makes her home in Cieveland. Mr. Lynch was also a Democrat and Catholic. There were nine children in the Lynch family, of whom Mrs. Kelly was the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Keily have an interesting family as follows: Frances Stuart, born January 6, 1896; Margaret Mary, born April 29, 1898, and John Matthew, born February 23, 1900. These children are ali attending the Stewart School, and are bright, lively young people, the pride of their parents' hearts.

Mr. Kelly started out to make his own living at a tender age, but he has not suffered from the hard knocks he was forced to take early in his career. He and his wife are very prominent sociaily, and their pleasant home is often the scene of a merry gathering, for their many friends eujoy the hospitality of this couple whenever occasion offers.

KELLY, James Yateman, Jr., an enterprising and successful attorney of Springfield, Ill., was born at Georgetown, Scott County, Ky., July 17. 1878, and is a son of James Yateman and Ruth Warfield (Smith) Kelly. The father was born in Scott County Ky., May 11, 1831, and the mother was born at Island Grove, Sangamon County, Ill .. January 25, 1850. The father of the subject of this sketch James Y. Kelly, Sr .. is of Scotch-Irish descent, and his father, Thomas Conway Kelly, was born in Virginia, in 1799, and afterwards emigrated to Kentucky. where he died, in 1889, in Georgetown. Thomas C. Kelly was a son of John Kelly, who was born in Virginia.

Ruth Warfield Smith is a member of the Brown-Smith family of Island Grove, Sanga- mon County, daughter of James D. Smith, Sr .. who was born in Harrison County. Ky., in 1805, and removed to Island Grove in 1833. Mr. Smith became one of the prominent farmers of the county, where he spent the remainder of his life, and died in 1871, honored and respected by ail who knew him. His widow survived him about one year. Ruth W. Smith was married to James Y. Kelly, Sr .. September 24, 1874. and removed with him to his home in Georgetown, Ky. Seven children were born of this union. as follows : Thomas Conway. of Cincinnati, Ohio; William S., of Georgetown, Ky. ; James Y., of this review ; Mrs. Liliian A. Bohon, of Harrodsburg. Ky .; Ruth W., Mrs. Graves, of Georgetown, Ky., and Helen and Eliza, of Georgetown.

James Yateman Kelly Jr .. was educated in

Georgetowu College, a Baptist institution of that city, from which he graduated in 1899, with the degree of Master of Arts, after which he read law in the office of his brother, William S., of Georgetown, being admitted to the Bar in Ken- tucky in 1900. He located in Springfield, Ill., the following year, and was soon after admitted to the Bar in Illinois. He has established a good practice and has won a reputation for ability iu his profession aud honesty and integrity of purpose. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Chris- tian Church aud in politics is a Republican.

Mr. Kelly was married, at Mt. Steriing, Ky., October 14, 1903, to Miss Alice E. Chenault, who was born in Montgomery Connty, Ky., February 27, 1884. The Chenaults were early settlers in Kentucky and many of the family reside in Montgomery County aud vicinity. They have always beeu prominent in church, political and social life in central Keutucky. Two children have blessed the uniou of Mr. Kelly and his wife, namely : Emma Chenault, born in Springfield, May 14, 1905; Alice Eliza- beth, boru February 1, 1907. The family re- side at Springfield, Ill. Mr. Kelly's father was au attoruey and banker, and carried on his pro- fession and business at Georgetown, Ky. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Christian Church, of tlie A. F. and A. M., and is a Democrat in poli- tics, although independent in local affairs, vot- ing for the men and measures he thinks are for the best interests of the people.

KEMMERER, James W., who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Chris- tian County, Ill., and who is now living retired from farming activities in his residence at No. 408 West Alleu Street, Springfield, Ill., was boru August 26, 1850, in Summit County, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Johnson) Kem- merer, natives of Pennsylvania.

The parents of Mr. Kemmerer were married in Pennsylvania, and in 1849 removed to Sum- mit County, Ohio. Nine of their family of fif- teen children were born in Pennsylvania, and the others in Ohio. Fourteen of these children are now living, the eldest child, Savanah, who was the wife of Owen Hensline, being the oniy one deceased, and the others being: Maria Bachman, a resident of California; Adelaide Moser, a widow, of Hitchcock County, Neb., who has had nineteen children, of whom fifteen survive; Celesta Austin, living in Ciay County, Neb .; Elizabeth Loutzeniser, residing in Saline County, Neb. ; Mrs. Emma Whitsel, wife of Mar- tin Whitsei, of Springfield; Elenora Potts, a widow, of Christian County, Ili .; Elmira Mil- ler, twin sister of Mrs. Potts, the wife of Frank- iin Miller, a farmer of Sailne County, Neb .; Martin, engaged in farming in the Indian Ter- ritory; Louis, who makes his home in the State of Washington; James W .; Jane. wife of Thomas Deering, a carpenter of Grant County, Ind .; Alice, the wife of Solomon Kryder. a farmer of Saline County, Neb. ; Frank, an ag-

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riculturist of Idaho; Allen, who carries on farm- ing in Sangamon County, Ill.

Joseph Kemmerer was for some years en- gaged in farming in his native State, and for fifteen years he carried on the same operations in Ohio. In 1861 he moved to Christian County, Ill., and there continued to reside until his death, which occurred in Bnckhart Township in May, 1891, when he had reached the age of seventy-three years. His wife had passed away in October, 1873.

James W. Kemmerer accompanied his par- ents to Christian Connty, and there engaged in farming with his father, and was so occupied until 1909, in which year he retired and located in Springfield, where he is the owner of a home valued at $6,000. He is also the owner of 270 acres of fine farming land in Christian County, worth $200 an acre. For a number of terms, Mr. Kemmerer was a School Director and School Trustee in Christian County, his politics being those of the Prohibition. He is a member of the Reformed Church, as Is also his wife, who is connected fraternally with the Lady Maccabees, Daughters of Rebecca and Pythian Sisters. In 1902 there was a nnion of the Kem- merer family held near Grove City, in Buck- hart Township, at which abont seventy of the family were present, nearly all being from Illi- nois, although four came from Nebraska.

On October 2, 1873, Mr. Kemmerer was mar- ried in Buckhart Township, Christian County, to Hannah Bachman, who was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1856, daughter of Israel and Sabina Bachman, farming people of Ohio who, in 1858, went to Indiana and the year follow- ing to Christian County, Ill., where they now live retired. To Mr. and Mrs. Kemmerer were born three children : Charles E., living on his father's farm; Ida, the wife of Elmer Gunther, living on a farm in Christian Connty ; and Fred, living at home. Mrs. Kemmerer died April 16, 1896. and in 1902 Mr. Kemmerer was married a second time, on November 20, of that year, be- Ing nnited with Mrs. Sophia Canghenbangh Beecher who was born in Perry County. Ohio. March 2, 1851, daughter of Peter and Mary Ann Beecher, the former a native of Fayette Connty, Pa., and the latter of Baltimore, Md. Mr. Canghenbaugh came to Perry County, Ohio, when but three years old, and in 1864 his fam- lly located in Bement, Piatt County. Ill., but in 1884 removed to Carter Connty, Mo., carrying on operations there until his retirement, his death occurring September 25, 1909. His widow is now living in Carterville, Mo., being eighty- seven years old.

KENNEDY, Thomas .- Every kind of business has its representatives in Springfield, and that of shoeing horses is not neglected, for there are some excellent blacksmiths whose work is known all over Sangamon County because of Its good quality. One of the men thns engaged is Thomas Kennedy. whose place of business is conveniently located on Eighth street, between Washington and Adams streets. He was born

in Ottawa, Ill., February 25, 1853, a son of John and Ellen (Weech) Kennedy. The par- ents were uatives of Ireland, who left their own land for the United States in 1849, bring- ing with them their only child, a daughter. They were four weeks on the trip to New Or- leans, and the ship was nearly lost in the ter- rible storms they encountered. After reaching New Orleans, they found yellow fever raging and lost their little danghter from It. As soon as possible, they left the pest-ridden city for Little Rock, Ark., where they lived for two years, then coming to Ottawa, Ill., where for forty years the father worked in a starch fac- tory. During the Civil War he served as a pri- vate in Company I, Fifty-third Illinois Volnn- teer Infantry for three years. During this period he was wounded several times, and never was strong after his war experience. His death occurred in Ottawa, as did that of his wife. Four children were born to these parents : Dennis; John, who died in Springfield, having also been a blacksmith; Thomas; and the danghter who dled of yellow fever In New Orleans.

Thomas Kennedy never received much school- ing, although he did attend the public schools of Ottawa for a few years, and then began to work at the starch factory, continning there for seven years. Coming to Springfield April 10, 1871, he worked for Uncle Jim Kennedy, a blacksmith, and after four years with him, went into business for himself at No. 821 East Washington street. After continulng at that number for four years, he removed to Seventh street, and In 1905 located on Eighth street.

The marriage of Mr. Kennedy took place in Springfield In 1877, to Kate Donohue of this city, danghter of Charles Donohne. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of children as follows: Ella, Mrs. Thomas Slick of Spring- field; Edward; Thomas; Irene; Celia; Frank and John, twins. Mr. Kennedy owns his com- fortable home at No. 1408 East Washington street. He Is a Democrat In politics, but has not desired office. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, being in- terested in the work of his lodge. A good workman, a kind-hearted man, Mr. Kennedy es- tablished a fine business and made and retained friends throughout the county.

KENNEY, John, now living retired from active life in his comfortable home at 1113 North Ninth Street, Springfield, has resided there the past thirty-two years, and until recently was identified with mining interests in Sangamon County. He was born in County Galway. Ire- land, June 24, 1845, a son of Timothy and Ella (Broderick) Kenney, both natives of that conn- ty, the father born in 1806 and died in 1881, and the mother born in 1815. The father was a farmer by occupation and both parents spent their entire lives in their native country. They had children as follows: Thomas J., a sketch of whom appears in these pages; Michael, of

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Pittsburg, Pa .; Johu died at the age of two and one-half years; Patrick died at the age of one year ; Patrick (2), of St. Louis; Johu, of this sketch; Timothy, of Pittsburg; Jane, wife of Michael Connors, of Australia.

Mr. Kenney received his education in the schools near his boyhood home and his first work was performed on his father's farm. He came to America iu 1865 and one year later located in Sangamon County, where he has siuce made his home. He was connected with vari- ous mining interests in the county until 1911, when he retired. His present house was erected thirty-two years ago, in September, 1879, and he also owns two other residences in the same block on North Tenth Street, which he also erected.

Mr. Kenney was married at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, by Father Brady, May 8, 1878, to Miss Mary Welch, born in Ireland, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Hogan) Welch, natives of County Limerick. Mr. Welch was born in 1821 and still resides in his native place. Mrs. Welch was born in 1825 aud died at the age of thirty-five years. Their only child was Mrs. Kenney, and she died March 26, 1890, having borne her husband one child, Timothy, born in Springfield, in 1879, now residing at Champaign, Ill. Mr. Kenney was married (sec- ond) at. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Spring- field. by Rev. Father Ryan, April 8, 1894, to Hannah Barry, who was born in Springfield May 9, 1848, daughter of John and Catherine Barry, natives of County Clare, who came to Sangamon County in an early day. She is one of three children, the others being: Bridget, wife of Martin Mahoney, of Menard County, and Catherine, of Springfield. Mrs. Kenney is the second child. Mr. and Mrs. Kenney are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters aud the Loyal Americans. In politics he is a Democrat. He is recognized as a useful, public-spirited citizen and has a large circle of friends.

KENNEY, Thomas J .- The city of Springfield can number with its best ciass of citizens those men who have chosen it as a permanent home after retiring from an active business life, iu- vestlgating in property there and taking a deep and intelligent interest in all that coucerns its progress and development. It is not unusual to find among these substantial, retired citi- zens natives of Ireland, for that country has contributed generously to America. Among those indicated Is Thomas J. Kenney, who has lived at Springfield since 1868. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, December 6, 1845, a son of Timothy and Ella (Broderick) Kenney.

Timothy Kenney was born in 1806, in County Galway, and died there in 1881. He married Ella Broderick, who was born In 1815, in the same piace, and survived her husband. They never came to America, the crossing of the Atiantic Ocean and formning new ties in a

strange country seeming too great an under- taking for them. To them were born nine children, seven of whom still survive, namely : Thomas J .; Michael, residing in Pittsburg, Pa .; Patrick, a resident of St. Louis, Mo .; John, liv- ing at Springfield; Timothy, making his home at Pittsburg; Julia, wife of Michaei Connors, living in Ireland, and Anna, wife of Joseph Shaughnessey, liviug in New Zealand.

Thomas J. Kenney attended school in Ireland and worked for his father on the home farm. In 1863 he came to the United States and set- tied first in New Jersey, from there went to Pittsburg, and iater to Graftou, W. Va., in 1868 coming from there to Springfield, Ill. He acquired his independent means as a miner, gradualiy working his way up from the bottom until he became mine manager, and when he retired, in April, 1910, he was serving in the important and responsible position of manager of the Capitol Coal Mine.

On July 11, 1868, Mr. Kenney was married at Springfield, in the Church of the Immaculate Couception, by Rev. Father Sullivan, to Miss Mary McGrevey, who was born in County Mayo, Ire., June 16, 1851, a daughter of Patrick and Bridget (McDonald) McGrevey. The father of Mrs. Kenney was born in Ireland in 1819, and died May 2, 1909, at Springfield, in which city he had settled in 1867. His wife was born also in County Mayo, in 1806, and died at Springfield in 1891. Mrs. Kenney was the eld- est boru of thelr three children, the others be- ing : Bridget, who Is the wife of James Red- inond, a retired farmer living at Springfield; Annie, who is the wife of James Berry, also of Springfield. Nine children were boru to Mr. and Mrs. Kenney, four of whom survive, as follows: Nellie E., who was born De- cember 23, 1873, lives at home; Mary, who was born June 5, 1876, is the wife of John Gafney, and they live at Toledo, Ohio; Julia, who was born January 19, 1878, is the wife of William Dray, and they live at Chicago; and John J., who was born December 23, 1882, is married and lives at Springfield.

Mr. Kenney and family are members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Spring- fieid. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the organization known as Loyal Americans, while Mrs. Kenney belongs to the Pioneers of America. They have a wide cir- cle of friends.

KESSBERGER, A. W .- The various business, financial and public Interests of Springfield, are in the hands of men who can be relied upon to keep them up to the standard. and in hands just as good have been placed the keeping of the city's artistic interests. Prominent among the latter class, may be mentioned A. W. Kess- berger, whose well-appointed studio is located at Nos. 419-421 East Adams Street. Mr. Kess- berger was born in Springfield. August 6. 1862, a son of August and Christiana ( Hagedorn) Kessberger. August Kessberger was born Oc-

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tober 21, 1835, iu Wiesbaden, Germany, and his wife, October 12, 1839 at Arrvenheim-on-the- Rhine, in the same country. They were mar- ried in Springfield, and became parents of the following children: A. W .; George, William, Edward, Bertha, and Dorothy M .; and Clara and Henry, who are deceased.

The early education of Mr. Kessberger was obtained in the public schools and the high school at Springfield, and later he attended business college for one year. Early in life, he showed artistic talent, and at the age of four- teen years made peu aud Ink maps for the Cen- tennial Exposition at Philadelphia. He studied under a well-known artist for six years and was first in- business with a Mr. Halliday, un- der the firm name of Halliday & Kessberger. This connection continued successfully for some- time, but subsequently was dissoived, and Mr. Kessberger became associated with Victor Georg, the firm name becoming Kessberger & Georg. After five years with Mr. Georg, in August, 1902, Mr. Kessberger decided to go into business aione, and in 1902 opened a fully equip- ped studio at his present location on East Adams Street. Many evideuces of his beautiful work can be seen in his comfortable home.

On October 21, 1884, at Springfield, Mr. Kessberger was united in marriage with Miss Gussie Leona Hopkins, a daughter of Caleb and Elizabeth (Dennis) Hopkins. Six children have been born to Mr. Kessberger and wife, as follows: Minnie Leona married August Wise, of Indianapolis, and they have two sons-Fred- erick and Jack; Mabel Irene, wife of Howard W. Giliett, of Chicago; Elsie Christine, de- ceased; Ciara Augusta, Laurence August and Frank Howard. Mr. Kessberger and famlly are connected with the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Fraternally, he hoids membership with the Masons, having attained the Knight Tempiar degree, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

KESSLER, Charles W .- Sangamon County contains the names of some of the bravest pioneers the State ever knew. These hardy forerunners of civilization braved the dangers and hardships of frontier life, and by hard work and thrift turned their prairie holdings into valuable farms. The Kesslers came here at a very early date, and one of their repre- sentatives, Charles W. Kessler, of Pawnee, is one of the worthy and respected residents of the county. He was born in Auburn, Iil., De- cember 30, 1862, being a son of Perry H. and Angie E. (Hili) Kessler. The famlly originated in Germany, whence representatives came to the United States, locating in Virginia, where Mr. Kessler's grandfather was born. He mi- grated to Sangamon County at an early day, dying here, as did his wife, the latter passing away in 1870. Grandfather Hill was born in Tennessee, and he, too, was a pioneer of Il- linois and an earnest worker in the Cumber-

land Presbyterian Church. Both he and his wife died in Fayette County, Ill.

Perry H. Kessier was born on Sugar Creek, August 30, 1832, while his wife was born in Eastern Tennessee. Until 1873 Perry H. Kess- ler farmed in Sangamon County, but in that year moved to Bates County, Mo., and from there, in the spring of 1883, to Kansas, where his death occurred in 1888. His widow survived him until February 15, 1904, when she passed away iu Kansas City, Mo. There were five children in their family, those living being : Charles ; Belle, married John Bennett, of Linn County, Kan., issue, John and Leiiah; and Maggie, married Enoch Allen, of Kansas City, Mo., issue, Lucile and Fern; while those who died are Alice and Freddie.

After attending the district school in both Sangauion and Bates Counties, Mr. Kessier helped his father until nineteen years old, when he began learning the blacksmith trade, at which he has since worked. He followed it for a year in Kansas City, then went to Linn County, Kau., but after the death of his father, in 1889, returned to Kansas City, where he found employment in a blacksmith shop, eventually buying out the proprietor. He con- tinued to operate this business until March 12, 1894, when he returned to Sangamon Couuty, locating in Pawnee, where he erected a shop. Since then he has conducted it, and owns Que of the best equipped establishments of its kind in his township. During the time he has re- sided in Pawnee, Mr. Kessler has become a man of considerable prominence. He served as President of the Village Board, and is now one of its Trustees, being elected on the Re- publican ticket. He has always been in favor of local option, and is a strong temperance man, whose influence for good Is felt wherever It is exerted. He belongs to the Modern Wood- men, serving as Counsel of Lodge No. 518 of Pawnee. Mr. Kessler is a Mason, and has served as W. M., S. W., J. W., Secretary, and is now Treasurer. He holds a commission as Grand Lecturer in Illinois. He is also a member of the Eastern Star and Royal Neighbors. A consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, he is active iu his efforts to promote its good work and very liberal in his contributions to it.

The marriage of Mr. Kessler occurred in Pawnee to Minnie Fichthorn, born in Indiana. February 20, 1869, a daughter of Daniel and Jennie (McClure) Fichthorn. The father was born in Pennsylvania while his wife was a na- tive of Indiana. The Fichthorn family origi- nated In Pennsylvania and there Mrs. Fich- thorn's grandparents both died. The Mcclure family came from Virginia to Indiana and thence to Sangamon County, where they died. After a short residence in Indiana, Mr. and Mrs. Fich- thorn moved to Bremer County, Iowa, and thence to Minnesota, where they reside, Mr. Fichthorn being a printer. They had two civil- dren, Mrs. Kessler, and one who died at the age of twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Kessier

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 83

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