Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 84

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 84

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1366

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

lost their only child at birth. While Mr. Kess- ler is not the oldest resident of Pawuee, he is one of the most prominent, and certaluly oue who exerts an influence for good. . An earnest Christian, he seeks to bring to others a reall- zatiou of the peace and happiness to be found in the right faith. Upright in business, re- llable iu every relatiou, strictly houorable in politics, Mr. Kessler is a model citizen and a thoroughly good inan, who has the confidence of all who know him.

KESSLER, George, a retired German-American citizen of Williamsville, Ill., has been a resl- dent of that village for the past fifteen years aud is well-knowu in the community. He is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born June 28, 1832, sou of John J. and Mary Dorothy (Brul) Kessler, both also natives of Germany, who dled in that country. The father was an exteusive manufacturer of cloth and carried on a successful business. He and his wife were parents of four sons and seven daughters, of whom all are deceased except George and one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Delpel, uow eighty- one years of age, and residing in Baltimore.

George Kessler attended the schools of his native country until he was fourteen years old, then engaged iu various occupations untu he sailed from Bremen, July 10, 1848, for the United States, landing In Baltimore, where he lived twenty years, learning and following the trade of shoemaker. He became a skilled workman and established a good trade in custom work. From Baltimore he weut to St. Louis in 1868, aud there spent one year at his trade, then spent a short time iu various places In Mis- souri, and one year in Leavenworth, Kan., after which he returned to St. Louis. He worked two years at Jerseyville, Ill., speut several months in New Douglas, Ill., lived six months in Mor- risonville, whence he moved to Springfield, aud December 20, 1895, came to Williamsville, where he built up a trade in custom work. He Is one of the prominent aud representative citizens of Williamsville and has established himself in the good will and esteem of his fellow-towns- inen. He owus a very pleasant home iu the village.

Mr. Kessler was muarrled in Baltimore, In 1856, to Margaret Stoffel, a native of Ger- many, whose parents came to Baltimore and there spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Kessler died, having had five children, of whoni but one survives, a daughter residing in Baltl- more. Mr. Kessler is a member of the Lutheran Church and lends his influence to church and benevolent work. He has many friends in the community.

KETTERER, Joseph M .- Pawnee is the home of some very prosperous business men who have located there because of the advantages offered by its location and the trade it controls. One of those who have proven this to be a good location in every sense of the word, Joseph

M. Ketterer, born in Montgomery County, Pa., January 18, 1842, a son of John Ketterer, boru in Germany about 1800. By trade the father was a tinner, and worked at his trade iu Badeu Baden, his native place. There he mar- ried, bringing his wife to the United States with him, but she died in Pennsylvania. He later married Katherine Hummer, the mother of Joseph M., John, Jacob, Joseph and Henry, and two who are deceased. John Ketterer is now living in Iowa, where the father moved, and where both parents passed away. The grandparents on the paternal side, were natives of Germany and never left their native land.

Joseph M. Ketterer remained at home until he was elghteen years of age, growing up fond of outdoor sport and dancing. He declares that he has often walked five miles for the privilege of dancing. His educational advantages were limited to those offered by the country schools, but he learned the tinner's trade and has fol- lowed it the greater part of his life. At eigh- teen years of age he went to Clinton, Iowa, to work for his brother, but after two years there, entered the firm of Young & Armstrong, remaining with them for three years. Following this he moved to Edinburg and went into busi- ness for himself. In 1890 he came to Pawnee, opening a tiuner's shop, and has since con- tinued in this line of business, building up an excellent trade.

Mr. Ketterer was married iu Clinton, Iowa, April 24, 1869, to Priscilla Mattes, born in Germany, but brought by her parents to the United States. They located at Lyons, Iowa, where both parents died, having had children as follows: Joseph, John, Mrs. Ketterer, Annie, William, Emeline, Frederick and Rose, one son being a Catholic priest. Her grandparents were Germans, who never left their native land. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ket- terer : Charles R., born In Lyons, Iowa, No- vember 7, 1870, married and living near Paw- nee, four children ; Frederick C., born in Lyons, Iowa, July 18, 1872, married and living in Pawnee; Rosa R., born iu Edinburg, Ill., April 19, 1876, married and residing In Iowa; Jessie P., born in Edinburg, December 28, 1882, mar- ried and living iu Chicago, three children; and Percy, who was born iu Clinton, Iowa, Feb- ruary 26, 1879, and died in Edinburg, in 1899. The military spirit Is inherited in the Ketterer family, for John Ketterer served his term In the German army in the Franco-Prussian War, receiving a wound lu his side, which was dan- gerous, but not fatal ; and his grandson, was a soldier in the Spanish-American War, seeing service in Porto Rica.

For a number of years Mr. Ketterer has been a member of the Odd Fellows. He and his family belong to the Lutheran Church and are interested In its good work. A stanch Deux- ocrat, Mr. Ketterer is prominent in the coun- cils of his party. An excellent business man, a good citizen, and a devoted husband and father, Mr. Ketterer combines the virtues of

1367

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

both the German and American nations, and is proud of his desceut. His children do him credit, and show the results of careful rearing and the influence of a Cliristian home.

KEYS, George E., a prominent citizen of Springfield, Ill., has been connected with the Farmers National Bank, in which he is now holding the position of Assistant Cashier, since leaving school. He is a member of a family that has been prominent In hnsiness and social circles In Springfield for several generations, his grandfather, Isaac Keys, having served as Provost Marshal at Springfield, nnder Pres- ident Lincoln, and as Postmaster of the city under President Grant. George E. Keys was born in Springfield, March 22, 1880, son of Edward Douglas Keys, also a native of Spring- field, who has long been well known in bank- ing circles and is now President of the Farmers National Bank, of Springfield. This hank was organized in May, 1882. Edward D. Keys mar- ried Miss Louisa Howard Todd, born in Lex- ington, Ky., daughter of Levi Todd and Lonisa (Searles) Todd. Mr. and Mrs. Keys were par- ents of three children, George Edward, Alvin Searles, and Edward Lincoln.

The early education of George E. Keys was received in the public schools of Springfield and he afterward attended the military academy at Orchard Lake, Mich., graduating in the Class of 1898. Upon leaving school he entered the bank where he is now employed, as clerk, and has heen promoted from time to time until he reached his present position. June 3, 1910, he was selected by the creditors of the estate of Lee Kincaid, Bankrupt, as Trustee. He is well and favorahly known in business and banking circles as a young man of integrity and re- liability, aud has the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. In politics he is a Republican and in April, 1903, was elected a member of the Board of Super- visors of Springfield, being re-elected in 1905, 1907 and 1909, and in 1907 and again iu 1910 was elected Chairman of the Board. He has been connected with several business enter- prises in Springfield and vicinity and holds stock in the new Leland Hotel. He is a mem- ber of the Illini Country Club, the Sangamo Cinb, the Court of Honor, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is popular with his friends. He belongs to Christ Epis- copal Church.

Mr. Keys was married, in Springfield, April 20, 1904, to Miss Frances Crawford Paddock, horn at Kankakee, Ill., December 27, 1880, danghter of James H. and Mary L. Paddock, and two children were born of this nnion, Mary Louise, horn December 3, died December 6, 1909; and George Edward Keys, Jr., horn No- vember 2, 1910. The family reside at 227 East Lawrence Avenne.

KIDD, Robert R .- A fair percentage of the representative citizens of Springfield, Ill., are men whose active period was spent in agricul-

tural pursuits, and who have now retired after long years spent in arduous struggles with the soil. Robert R. Kidd, who for twenty years has lived in his residence at No. 444 West Hern- don Street, was for thirty years engaged In ag- ricultural endeavors in Sangamon County. He was born at Pittsburg, Pa., November 14, 1832, a son of Andrew and Esther (McCielland) Kidd. Andrew Kidd was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in Jannary, 1800, and there spent his life. He was a commissioned officer in the Twelfth United States Cavalry during the Civil War, and his occupation was that of a blacksmith.

Robert R. Kidd's educational advantages were secured in the public schools of Pittsburg. Iu his youth he started to learn the trade of a brick mason, and on Christmas day, 1855, came to Springfield. After a short time there he went to the southern part of the State and worked on a farm, and in the spring of 1856 located In Sangamon County. While there, in 1861, he en- listed for service in the Union army during the Civil War, but he was taken sick before getting into action and was unable to serve. On re- turning, Mr. Kidd worked at brick making for several years, then again took up farmiug, and this he made his business for thirty years, at the end of which time he moved to Springfield and secured a position with the Illinois Watch Company, in whose services he remained six years and six months, then retired from active pursuits. During his long and active life Mr. Kidd has seen many changes take place in San- gamon County, aud has done his share towards bringing these changes about. Aiways indns- trious and public-spirited, he makes an ideal citizen, while personally he has made friends and admirers by the score through his generos- Ity and integrity. In 1860 he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, and as such was absolved from military duty, but chose to volunteer and would have done his share in the way of fighting bnt for the sickness that overtook him. Mr. Kidd is a member of the Baptist Church.

On January 1, 1857, Mr. Kidd was married to Anna V. Wise, who was born in Springfield, December 22, 1839. The parents of Mrs. Kidd, who were natives of Hagerstown, Md., came to Springfield at an early day, and there it was that Mrs. Kidd met Abraham Lincoln, with whom she became acquainted. Of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Kidd, all are living : Emily E., the wife of Edward Schwarberg, of Springfield ; Laura, the wife of Eugene Rod- erick, farming in Sangamon County ; William, living at Okarche, Okla., where he Is serving as Deputy Sheriff; Mary S .; Frank T., of Apache. Okla; Robert, of Springfield; and Katherine, the wife of William H. Eastman, of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Kidd have twenty-four grandchildren and six great-grand- children. Mr. Kidd's brother, William, enlisted in 1861 for service In the United States Navy, and hecame a sallor on the famous "Merrimac," which was later captured hy the Confederates and transferred into an iron-clad, thus revo-

1368

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

lutionizing naval warfare. Later William Kidd was a police officer in Pittsburg, and there his death occurred. Hls other brother, Thomas, en- listed In Company E, Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served gallantly, was promoted through the ranks and was a major when dis- charged. He was presented with a magnificent sword, for bravery and efficiency as an officer. He lives in East Des Moines, Iowa. Members of the Kidd family have served their country as soldiers in every war in the history of the nation.

KING, Ira George .- There have been so many innovations in the musical world, in the manu- facture of instruments and the methods of conducting business, within the last few years, that this industry now offers a vast field for those looking for a lucrative and pleasant means of a livelihood. Ira George King is the pro- prietor of one of the largest musical houses in Springfield, and by his good business jndg- ment and the excellence of the instruments he sells, has made his name well known In mus- ical circles throughout the city. He is a na- tive of Cook County, III., born September 28, 1875, a son of Joseph R. and Jennie L. (Hoover) King, farming people of New York State, who came to Illinois about 1860.

Ira George King received his education in the public schools of Onarga, Ill., and his early life was spent in much the same manner as that of any Illinois farmer's son. He remained on the home piace until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he left the farm, deciding that there was a better opportunity for him to succeed in the business world. He came to Springfield June 15, 1906, and estab- lished himself in the music business, in which he has been very successful. His business has grown gradually but steadily, and he can now boast of one of the largest stores of its kind in the city. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, while his politics have always been those of the Prohibition party, he being a stanch adherent of temperance In all things.

On August 10, 1904, Mr. King was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Devereux, whose mother now resides with Mr. and Mrs. King, the father being deceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. King: Lawrence Devereux, born June 23, 1908, and one child who died at birth. The family affiliates with the Methodist Church.

KING, John W .- One of the venerabie residents of Palmyra, Macoupin County, Iiiinois, and a man whose iife has been spent in activities con- nected with farining and stock raising, is John W. King, father of the distinguished Dr. King, of Springfield, whose biography is treated of at length eisewhere in this work. Mr. King was born in Rnsseilviiie, Ky., on Christmas day, 1822, being a son of David and Jemima (Gooch) King, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky,

respectively. David King and wife were mar- ried in Kentucky, where they resided for some years, coming West seventy-two years ago and locating at Palmyra, Ill., which remained their home until their death. He was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an Elder. The King family has iong been associated with American history, its representatives having ever been found prompt to respond to every call of the country. Its members served in vari- ous wars of the country, beginning with the Revolution. It is thought that W. R. King, an early Vice-President of the United States, is a connection of this branch of the family.

John W. King went to school in Palmyra dur- ing his early days, and worked for his father on the farm. This determined his life work, and he made his money at farming and stock raising. Although a strong Republican, Mr. King has never cared for office, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen. His re- iigions faith is that of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and he belongs to that denom- inatlon.

On February 19, 1845, Mr. King was married near Paimyra, Ill., to Rebecca Jones, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Black) Jones, na- tives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respec- tively. Mr. Jones moved to Kentucky when eighteen years of age, and there met and mar- ried his wife. The two were members of the Baptist Church and devout, good people. Mr. and Mrs. John W. King have had eleven chil- dren, six of whom survive: Jennie, wife of the Rev. S. T. Hawkins, of the Methodist Church ; Joseph, who resides at Palmyra ; Dr. Stephen J. King; Rev. William T., a minister of the Chris- tian Church at Lomax, Ill .; John W., a farmer and real estate dealer of Alpha, Idaho; and Nellie, wife of Virgii Hoover of Milton, Pike County, Iil. Mr. King has sixteen grandchii- dren, of whom he is immensely proud.

KING, Stephen Jones, M. D .- In these days of progressive competition, professional men are realizing the expediency of specializing along certain lines. This is specially true in medi- cine and surgery, for the fieid is so wide and the necessity for expert knowledge so necessary that it is almost impossible for any one man to be proficient in all. One of the most learned and eminent physicians and surgeons of Sanga- mon County is Dr. Stephen J. King, specialist In chronic rectai and intestinal diseases, external cancer and skin diseases. Dr. King was born in Macoupin County, Ili., Juiy 9, 1860, being a son of John W. King, a sketch of whom ap- pears in this work.

After a boyhood spent in the district schools near Palmyra, Iil., Dr. King taught school for some time before taking a scientific and literary course at Valparalso, Ind., from which he graduated in the Class of 1880. Following this he attended the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Chicago, passing the examinations, but was not given a dipioma, as he was under the

1369

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

prescribed age. He then studied medicine at Hospital Medical College, of Louisville, from which he graduated in 1885, with the degree of M. D., carrying off distinguished honors. He served in the hospital connected with the col- lege as interne, thus securing a very valuable experience. After traveling over the country to a considerable extent, Dr. King settled at Illi- opolis, Ill., and practiced for ten years. Feeling the need of wider knowledge, he took several post graduate courses In Chicago, New York, London, Paris and Berlin, fitting himself for the special work he is now doing. In 1907 he came to Springfield, which is still his home. Here he has built up a large practice, giving special attention to the diseases already mentioned. He is a man of eminent scientific attainments and is a microscopical investigator, and during his researches has discovered an absolute cure for piles and cancer. It may be safely sald that no physician has doue more to alleviate the suf- fering of his patients than has Dr. King. In conjunction with his work and experiments, Dr. King is writing an exhaustive work on rectal surgery which promises to be of invaluable ser- vice to the profession. He belongs to the Illi- nois State Medical Society, the Macoupin County Medical Society and the Decatur Medical So- ciety, and is one of the best known men of his profession in this part of the State. In addl- tion to his professional duties Dr. King is presi- dent of the National Coal Minlug and Develop- ment Company, of Springfield, with lands in Kentucky, which is capitalized at $500,000; is also a stockholder in the United Oil and Pipe Line Refining Company of Beaumont, Tex., and is a good business man as well as an eminent physician.

Dr. King was married at Lomax, Ill., January 7, 1901, to Mary L. Crownover, danghter of Robert and Temperance (Curts) Crownover, natives of Michigan and Pennsylvania, respec- tively. Mr. Crownover was a farmer, who came with his family to Illinois, settling at Lomax, where both he and his wife died. He was a Republican, a Methodist, and a substantial, re- liable man. Dr. and Mrs. King have one child, Eva Audrey, born January 9, 1904.

Ever since he cast his first vote, Dr. King has believed in voting for the men and measures best sulted to the needs of the whole people, and still pursues this policy. He is a broad- minded, liberal man, whose interests are cen- tered in his profession, and he Is a valuable addition to any community in which he may see fit to locate.

KIRKPATRICK, John. (Vol. I, p. 319.)

KIRLIN, Bernard M .- Springfield, Ill., has a large number of the solld, rellable and success- ful business men of Sangamon County. and not a few of these are representatives of old fam- ilies who are proud to claim an Irish ancestry. One of these who occupies a leading position in the business Ilfe of this city is Bernard M. Kirlin. Mr. Kirlln was born In Springfield,

September 15, 1862, and is a son of Michael and Bridget (Brady) Kirlin.

Michael Kirlin was born in County London- derry, Ireland, and died at Springfield, Ill., in 1903. About 1852 he embarked for America with his famlly, landed at Philadelphia, and from there came to Springfield. He engaged In a general mercantile business, in wlilch he continued until the time of his death. He was a man of considerable enterprise and possessed business capacity and, although he never ac- quired a large fortune, he reared his family in comfort and fulfilled the duties of a good citizen. In political views he was a Democrat, but public office never had any attractions for him. In Ireland, Michael Kirlln was married to Bridget Brady, who was born in County Monaghan and died at Springfield, surviving her husband two years. Of their eight chil- dren the eldest, a daughter, died in Ireland. The others were as follows: Rose, widow of M. Finnery, Is a resident of Chicago; Tilley, who Is now deceased, was the wife of Augustus Fields ; Ella, who married George Ball, resides at Springfield and they have two children, Lauretta and Ellen; Bernard M .; Mary and Elizabeth, both of whom are unmarried; and Frank, who is now deceased. Michael Kirlin and wife reared their children in the faith of the Catholic Church.

Until he was sixteen years old Bernard M. Kirlin was mainly engaged In helping his father in the store and in obtaining his edu- cation, attending both the public schools and St. Mary's Catholic School. He then eutered his father's employ and in two months had earned enough to purchase a horse, after which he went into business for himself. He operated a huckster wagon for a time and then engaged in a regular dray business, and within one year had not only acquired a team of horses but had $209 in cash. His success in his inltial business venture encouraged him and he continued in the dray business for four years, then enlarged the scope of his operations by starting a livery and coal business, together with draying. That was about twenty-four years ago and Mr. Kirlin has continued his Ilvery interests up to the present time. Shortly after starting in the above line he embarked also in undertaking. In 1895 he formed a busi- ness partnership with Edward Egan, and to- gether they have conducted both the under- taking and livery establishments. They have well equipped quarters. The livery barns, with dimensions of 45x120 feet, are located at Nos. 116-118 South Fourth Street, while the under- taking establishment is situated at No. 411 East Adams Street. They have eleven closed car- riages, a fine clty ambulance and an undertak- ing wagon, together with both black and white funeral cars. All their equipment is modern in every particular and suitable for every oc- casion. Mr. Kirlin is a graduate of the Barnes College of Embalming, and under his direct supervision all the details of funeral dircet- ing are carried out in a perfect manner and

1370

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

with the dignified attention so grateful to those In sorrow and affilction. This firm probably handles the larger part of all funeral direct- ing in this city.

On June 25, 1889, Bernard M. Kirlin was married to Mary Egan, also of Irish extrac- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Kirlin have one daughter, Mary, who is a student at St. Agnes Catholic School. Mr. Kirlin is one of the leading mem- bers of St. Agnes Catholic Church, at Spring- field, and is interested in many of its social and benevolent organizations. He also belongs to St. Agnes Court of Foresters and to the Knights of Columbus. While he has been iden- tified wltb tbe Democratic party since he reached manhood, he has never been willing to ac- cept political office, his business, family, social and fraternal life filling up tbe full measure of his time. In all essentials, Mr. Kirlin is a self-made man, and is entitled to the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens as such. In these modern days of fierce competition in every line, to be able to push ahead and with- out financial or other backing, to honestly ac- quire an independent position in the business world, proves pretty forcibly the possession of tact, judgment and business capacity. Person- ally, Mr. Kirlin Is pleasant, frank and courteous.

KLINTWORTH, Henry, a veteran of the Civil War, is now retired from active life, and since 1892 has lived in his pleasant home at 1410 East Brown Street. Springfield. He was horn in Hanover, Germany, January 12, 1831, son of Peter and Adeline Klintworth, natives of Germany, where both spent thelr entire lives. The father owned a farm and conducted it until his death. There were six children in the famlly and all came to America and settled. They were: Adeline, Benjamin. Henry, Peter, Dietericb ; John, who was killed in a sugar re- finery in London, England, wbere be lived for a time.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 84

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