Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Montgomery County, Volume II, Part 89

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 810

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Mr. and Mrs. Kelmel became the parents of five children, four of whom survive, namely : Mary, who is the wife of Fred Weitckamp; Anna, who is at home; Clarence C., who is also at home; and Earl N. who is a student of the Raymond High school ; Frances died in infancy. The family belong to St. Raymond's Catholic Church, and Mr. Kelmel has been one of its trustees for the past ten years. A Democrat, he takes an active part in politics, and served for four years as highway commissioner in Bois D'Arc Township, and for four years as supervisor of Raymond Township. 'An excellent farmer and business man, Mr. Kelmel is one of the leading citizens of Montgomery County, and no one stands any higher in his community than he.

KEMPTON, C. H., a druggist at Nokomis, and one of the substantial business men of this locality, has been in the drug line in this state for the past thirty-eight years, and first located at Nokomis in 1890. He was born at Contoo- cook, N. H., March 17, 1858, a son of Warren M. and Oryntha (Howard) Kempton, both of whom were born in New Hampshire, and there grew up. They were married in their native state, where their families had lived for several generations, migrating originally from England and Scotland.

C. H. Kempton grew to manhood in New Hampshire and he learned the manufacture of woodenware in his father's factory, and also was engaged in merchandising. When he was twenty-two years old, in 1880, he came to Griggsville, Ill., and worked in the drug store of Thomas Shoemaker, being in his employ until 1890, when, having served his apprenticeship, he came to Nokomis and bought the drug store owned by Neisler & Preston, the business.con- tinuing as Preston and Kempton. In 1893 Mr. Kempton became the sole proprietor. In 1897 Mr. Kempton sold his drug store and went into a poultry business at Morrisonville, Ill. After a year he went to LaGrange, Ill. for a year, there conducting a drug store, and then returned

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

to Nokomis, aud purchased back his old store that he has since conducted.

On September 21, 1887, Mr. Kempton was married to Eliza Goodhue, born at Epsom. N. II. Mr. and Mrs. Kempton have had two chil- dren : an infant that died unnamed ; and Warren. Mr. Kempton is a member of Nokomis Lodge No. 456. A. F. & A. M .; Sherman Lodge, I. O. O. F. at Nokomis. Ill. Not only is he a member of the Presbyterian Church, but he is an elder of that body. and a very important factor in advancing its good work. Indepen- dent in politics, his ideas incline toward the doctrines of the Republican party. In addition to his other interests he is a director in the Nokomis Building Association, and in that as in every other connection. he is reliable. trust- worthy and capable, and he stands very high in his community.

KEPPER, Herman, now living retired at Hills- boro, was formerly one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Montgomery County. Ile was born at Beardstown. Ill., October 27, 1857, a son of Herman and Philipina (Breck) Kepper, he was born in Prussia-Germany, and she in Nassau, Germany. They were married at Beardstown, Ill .. where he worked as a car- penter until 1865 when he moved to Alton, Ill., and thence to a farm where he lived until his death in 1869. Ilis widow and children con- tinued to live on the farm until 1878 when they moved to Christian County, 111 .. and there the mother died in 1SS2. .

On February 22, 1SS3. Ilerman Kepper was married to Lucinda Vannatta, born in Madison County, Ill., a daughter of Jacob and Frances (Bevill) Vannatta. natives of Ohio and of Madison County, Ill. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kepper rented a farm for eight years. and in 1892 he bought eighty acres of land near Harvel. this county, residing on this farm until 1904. when he sold it and bought 241 acres in Butler Grove Township, to which he moved. and continued to farm it and raise stock until 1907, when he rented his farm to his sons, moved to Hillsboro, and bought a fine residence where he now lives in comfortable retirment.

Mr. and Mrs. Kepper became the parents of the following children: Edgar, who lives on the homestead. was married to Bessie Haywood, and they have four children, Lester, Wendell. Mildred and Kenneth; Ray, who was married to Florence Major, has one son. Clifford ; Mertie. who is the twin sister of Ray, was married to John Shinn, has one daughter. Dorcas of Witt. Ill. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kepper attended the district schools. He is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and she a member of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republi- can. and served for two terms as a school director of Harvel Township, and is now on the drainage board of his district. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. at Butler. Ill. A man of sound principles and wide experience. his advice is often sought and his judgment taken on matters of public mo- ment.

KERR, Charles H., one of the prosperous mer- chants of Nokomis, is handling hardware, furni- ture and implements, and is enjoying a large and profitable trade. Ile was born in Witt Township. Angust 10. 1572, a son of Alfred D. and Lucinda M. (Sides) Kerr. Alfred D. Kerr was brought to Illinois from his native state of Ohio by his parents. and they located at Nokomis, and he was reared on a farm south of the city. After his marriage he located on a farm. His wife was born in Pitman Township, this comity, where she was reared. For the eight years succeeding their marriage, the parents lived in Witt Township, and then came to Nokomis, where they still reside, the father conducting a harness business. Charles H. Kerr has one brother and one sister: Geo. A. Kerr, who is a physician and druggist in northern Illinois; and Lucy, who is the wife of Fred Kellogg. of Assumption. Ill.

Charles 11. Kerr was graduated from the Nokomis High school. He early began to earn money by selling newspapers, and did so well in that line that he continued in it for fifteen years. Then he began working for G. R. Spangal a hardware merchant of Nokomis, and in after years bought out the firm of the Spangal Hardware & Furniture Company and continued his prudent saving of money until, in 1916, he was able to buy out the business of J. S. Griffin, and has conducted it alone ever since. Mr. Kerr is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. In addition to his mercantile interests, he is vice president and a stockholder and director of the Nokomis State Bank, and is a very sound and reliable man in every respect.

On September 30, 1903, Mr. Kerr was married to Dora S. Fricke, a daughter of Christian and Dorothy (Eppers) Fricke. Mrs. Kerr's father was born in Germany from whence he came in young manhood to St. Louis, Mo. As he had no trade he worked on the Mississippi River boats for a time. later returning to Germany for his bride, who also was born in Germany where she lived until her marriage at the age of eighteen years. They settled in St. Louis, where they lived for seven years. . and then came to Marine, Madison County, Ill. This continued to be their home until 1861, when they made another change, buyiug land in Raymond Town- ship, Montgomery County, on which he died in 1802. After his death the family continued to live on the homestead until 1901. when Mrs. Fricke and her daughter Dora came to Nokomis, where two years later the latter was married to Charles H. Kerr. Mr. Fricke was a Republi- can. and always took an active interest in local affairs. He belonged to the German Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Fricke had eight chil- dren. as follows: Augusta, who is the widow of Herman Rosenthal of Rountree Township; Al- bert, who lives at Hillsboro. Ill .; Harry, who lives in Rountree Township : William who lives in Raymond Township; Gustav, who also lives in Rountree Township: Mrs. Kerr: Fred, who died at the age of seven years; and Sophia. who died at the age of six years. Mr. Fricke

JOSEPH A. WHITE

MRS. JOSEPH A. WHITE

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

became an extensive landholder, owning S50 acres of land in Raymond and Rountree town- ships, all of which was accumulated through his own efforts.

KIDD, John W., vice-president of the Litchfield National Bank, of which he is one of the organizers. and one of the prominent men of Montgomery County, was born in Frederick County. Va., September 28, 1833. a son of Ben- jamin and Hannah (Reese) Kidd, natives of Virginia. In 1834 the family came overland with teams to Peoria County, Ill .. then to Macoupin County. Ill., and about 1837 moved to Montgomery County, becoming pioneers of this section.

In the early days educational opportunities were limited, so the only chances for attending school given Mr. Kidd were those afforded by the subscription schools which were held at intermittant periods in his locality, but he made the best he could of his opportunities, and has added very much to his store of knowledge by observation and contact with men of affairs. In 1856. having been married. he began farming in Macoupin County. Ill., where he remained until his enlistment in the fall of 1862, in Com- pany K. Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry for service during the Civil War, at Greenfield, Ill .. and was assigned to Kentucky. He was captured by General Morgan's forces and paroled and sent to Benton Barracks. St. Louis, where he was exchanged a few months later, and returned to military duty at New Orleans and participated in the campaigns in that vicinity. His honorable discharge took place in December. 1863. on account of disability. Re- turning then to Macoupin County, Mr. Kidd resumed his farming. but in 1869 moved to Raymond Township. this county, and bought land. owning at one time with his sons 400 acres. In 1893 he retired from business and moved to Litchfield, which has continued to be his home ever since. Here he owns city property and stock in the Litchfield National Bank of which he is vice president.

On September 3, 1856, Mr. Kidd was married to Mary Henderson, born in Macoupin County, Ill .. August 1. 1838, a daughter of David and Hannah (Steidley) Henderson, natives of Vir- ginia. On September 3. 1918, they will have spent sixty-two years together. Mr. and Mrs. Kidd have had the following children born to them : Albert R., who died at the age of fifty- three years. left a widow Emma (Moore) Kidd, who resides at Litchfield and two children, Minnie who married G. D. Frazer. and Walter A .: and John Lincoln, who is a farmer of Ma- coupin County, Ill .. married Bessie Hart and they have two children. E. Sterling and Glenn. Mr. Kidd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. In politics he is a Republican. A Mason in good standing he has risen through the various orders to the Knight Templar degree. Phillips Post No. 379, G. A. R., receives his enthusiastic and

loyal support. A man of high principles and upright living, he commands universal respect, and is recognized as one of the leading men of his community.

KIMBALL, Zeb Vance, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Hillsboro, and a man widely and favorably known throughout Mont- gomery County, was born at Statesville, N. C., October 26, 1879, a son of John C. and Lucretia A. (Gheen) Kimball, natives of North Carolina. They had the following children : Charles W., who is deceased : Mary Belle, who is the wife of Dr. C. G. Aven of Bristol. Tenn .; Joel L. who lives at Hillsboro. Ill .; Edward H., who died at the age of eighteen years; Mattie Florence, who is deceased. was the wife of R. L. Snyder; Zeb Vance; Clarence M., who lives at Decatur, Ill .; Daisy L., who is the wife of O. R. Snyder of Knoxville. Tenn .; Lorena, who lives at Detroit. Mich .: Pearl G., who was married to A. L. Watson, lives at Washington D. C .; two who died young. George and Major.

John C. Kimball, the father of these children, was reared in North Carolina. and came to Hillsboro in 1903. dying two years later in this city. at the age of sixty-five years, but the mother survives, and lives at Tampa. Fla. The father was a farmer and he and his wife early joined the Methodist Church. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate Army, and lost two fingers of his left hand in service. The paternal grandfather was Joel Kimball and he was married to Sarah Lentz. They were natives of North Carolina, where he was engaged in farming. and there both died, he when eighty- two and she when ninety-four or ninety-six. Their children were as follows: Henry J., Louisa. John Calvin, Laura. Chrissie Ann, Wiley, deceased, William, Joel La Fayette, and Monroe, who was killed by accident in childhood. The maternal grandfather was George Gheen. and his wife bore the first name of Sarah. They were natives of North Carolina and farming people. Their children were as follows : David. Jennie. Thomas. Hampton. Lucretia Ann, and Sarah.

Dr. Zeb Vance Kimball was reared at States- ville. N. C., and there attended the public schools. In 1895 he came to Hillsboro and attended its public schools. following which he took a course in the Marion Sims- Beaumont College of Medicine at St. Louis, Mo .. from which he was graduated in 1902. Immediately thereafter he established himself in a general practice at Hillsboro, in which he has since continued with gratifying results. Professionally Dr. Kimball belongs to the Montgomery Medical Society, of which he is president: and he also belongs to the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In politics he is a Demo- crat. and he belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Fraternally he belongs to Mount Moriah Lodge. No. 51. A. F. & A. M., Hillsboro Chapter No. 197. R. A. M .; Sullivan Council, R. & S. M .; Springfield Consistory, and he is a

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Thirty-second degree Mason. He is also a member of Ansar Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Springfield.

KING, Franklin P., who owns and operates his homestead of forty-seven acres on Section 11, Irving Township, also owns twenty acres in this same township and was born on this homestead January 14, 1857, a son of John W. and Julia (Dryer) King. John W. King was born in North Carolina, a son of Andrew and Hannab (Gaddis) King. When John W. King was still an infant the family moved to Tennessee, and when he was sixteen years old, another change was made which brought them to Illinois. Andrew King with his son John W., and some of the Kelley family, rode from Tennessee to Montgomery County on horseback, and the Kings entered land now owned by Robert Weller, and on it Andrew King spent the balance of his life. After they had secured a suitable location, the families followed. Julia Dryer, whom John W. King married was born in Montgomery County, a daughter of William Dryer.

After their marriage, John W. King and his wife settled on their farm in Irving Township and lived there the rest of their lives, she dying when Franklin P. King was a baby, and he many years later. In addition to Franklin P., there was another child, but the latter is deceased. After the death of his first wife, John W. King was married (second) on July 12, 1860, to Elizabeth Grantham, and they had the fol- lowing children : Jasper, who died in infancy ; Robert, who is deceased; Julia who is the wife of William Courtar of Irving, Ill .; Harriet, who is deceased; Lucretia, who is the wife of William Lowe of Colorado; and Charlotte, who is deceased. After the death of the second Mrs. King. John W. King was married (third) to Nancy Jane Nuesman, but they had no issue. Mr. King was a member of the Lutheran Church and took an active part in its good work. A well educated man, Mr. King was looked up to and his advice was often sought. He was a strong factor for good in his community, and always supported educational movements, serving for forty years as a school teacher, and for several terms was county superintendent of schools, In politics he was a Democrat, and was school treasurer of his township for many years, but he never sought the office, and only accepted it when he was convinced that his neighbors needed him.

Franklin P. King was reared on the home- stead and was sent to the local schools. On April 4, 18$2, he was married to Elizabeth S. Schwing, who was born ncar Quebec, Canada, September 13, 1857, a daughter of Conrad and Mary (Froelich) Schwing. Both of the parents were born and reared in Germany, coming as young people to Canada, where they were mar- ried. For fourteen years after their marriage they lived in Canada, and then came to Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Ill., where they spent the balance of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Schwing had eight children, namely : John, who

is deceased; and Catherine, Mrs. King, Mary, Lydia, John (II), Martha, and Augusta. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. King settled on their present farm where they have since resided. They have four children, namely : Mary Pauline, who is the wife of Herbert Lipe, of Irving Township; Oscar David, who lives in Irving Township, married Lola Meacham; Walter W., who married Chloe Wright, lives in Irving Township; and Etta E., who is a grad- uate of the Irving High school, is a teacher in Irving Township. Mr. King belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America of Irving Town- ship. The family belong to the Irving Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. King is a Democrat, but he has never taken any active part in public life.

KNIERY, Michael William, who is supervisor of the old line of the Big Four Railroad from Hillsboro to East St. Louis, Ill., with headquar- ters at Litchfield, is one of the substantial men of Montgomery County. He was born at Litch- field, Ill., February 7, 1870, a son of Simon and Margaret (Quinlan) Kniery, natives of County Clare, Ireland. They were married in Montgomery County, Ill. The father was a section foreman of railroad construction work. He died January 2, 1900, and the mother died October 28, 1901. Prior to her marriage with Simon Kniery, the mother had been married to a Mr. Merritt, by whom she had a daughter, Ellen, now Mrs. John Motherway, of Litchfield. By her second marriage she had the following children : Mary, who died in infancy ; Margaret, who is Mrs. Daniel Brennan of Mt. Olive, Ill .; Michael William; James, who lives at Litch- field; Mary, who is deceased, was Mrs. Joseph Toohey ; Agnes, who is deceased ; Josephine, who married J. P. Doran of Staunton, Ill .; and Joseph, who lives at Litchfield.

Michael William Kniery attended St. Mary's parochial school, and when he was twelve years old he began working, carrying water on the railroad construction work. He was then a rail- road laborer for the Illinois Central, and when he was eighteen years old he was made a fore- man of a section gang, and also ran an entire gang on the railroad track. In 1896 he was with the Big Four Railroad at Alton. Ill., on the St. Louis division, and in 1904 was appointed supervisor of the cutoff of the Big Four at Hills- boro, and in December of that year was trans- ferred to Mattoon, Ill., to hold the same position at that point. On August 15, 1905, he was transferred to his present position.

On November 26, 1890, Mr. Kniery was mar- ried to Elizabeth Kelly, born at Mt. Olive, Ill., a daughter of Michacl and Mary (Ford) Kelly, he born in County Galway, and she in County Clarc, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Kniery have the following children : Edward, who is now in the United States army ; Rosalie, who is employed in the First National Bank of Litchfield; Mary, who is at home; and Joseph, who is employed by the Litchfield Foundry & Machine Company. Mrs. Kniery attended the district schools and the Catholic convent at Litchfield, Mr. Kniery

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

belongs to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Litch- field, of which he has been a trustee since 1913. He is a Democrat and served on the school board for two years. He belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters and is chief ranger of that order; to the Knights of Columbus, of which he has been a trustee for six years, and he is an efficient and capable man in every respect.

KRAGER, John C., owner of 240 acres of fine land on Section 16, Harvel Township, is one of the progressive farmers of this county. He was born in Ricks Township, Christian County, Ill., November 15. 1877, a son of John and Paulina (Baker) Krager. John Krager was born in Germany, and lived there until he was eighteen years old, at which time he came to the United States, stopping in Pennsylvania for a few years, and then going on west to Macoupin County. Ill. He had nothing when he came to this state, and so worked for others until he was able to secure land for himself. Upon coming to Montgomery County, he spent some time in Bois D'Arc Township. After some changes, during which period he rented land. he finally honght 100 acres of the present old home- stead in Harvel Township, on which he lived until his retirement, at which time he moved to Raymond, Ill., and there died September 18. 1915. His wife died in 1895. They were the parents of six children, four of whom grew to maturity, namely: Joseph, who lives in Ray- mond Township; John C .; Elizabeth, who is the wife of E. Baumann, of St. Louis, Mo. ; and Frank, who lives in Harvel Township. The other two died in infancy.

John C. Krager lived at home through boy- hood and youth, and was sent to the local schools. On August 21, 1912, he was married to Elizabeth Bedinghaus, a daughter of Ber- nard and Catherine (Kruthanpt) Bedinghaus. he born in Germany and she in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Krager have had four children : Paulina E., born July 18, 1913: Catherine C .. born August 21, 1914, who are living, and two. John and Lawrence, who died in infancy. The family belongs to St. Isadore Catholic Church at Brown Settlement. In politics Mr. Krager is a Democrat, and has served as tax collector, is now drainage commissioner for his township, and after serving on the school board of the Mt. Vernon school for three years, was re- elected in 1917 for three years. While carrying on farming. Mr. Krager specializes on feeding cattle, and operates forty acres of rented land in addition to his own farm of 240 acres, so that his interests are heavy and important.

KRUMMEL, Frederick W., one of the substan- tial merchants of Donnellson, is held in the highest respect by all who know him. He was born in Elleringhousen Waldeck, Germany, June 29, 1847, a son of George and Katherine (Schluckebier) Krummel. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died when his son Frederick W. was only five years old, and when

he was nine years old he left home for the farm of his guardian, with whom he lived until he was fourteen years of age, during which period he attended school. When he was fourteen hc was bound out to a man in Mengeringhausen. Germany, to learn the cabinetmaking trade, and learned it, including all kinds of inside work and the making of coffins, serving two years and six months at his apprenticeship. At that time a brother, who had been to the United States. came back to Germany on a visit, and when he returned to his adopted country he took Frederick W. with him, paying his employer for the time he had not yet served.

The brothers came by the way of Bremen, where they spent two weeks, and then on to New York City. From there they came west to St. Louis, Mo., and Frederick R. Krummel went to Belleville, Ill., to work for a blacksmith, and remained there for two years. Returning to St. Louis, he worked at the cabinetmaking trade, and when the cholera epidemic raged he made coffins for the victims. After two years in St. Louis he left for St. Catherine, Mo., where he made wagons, having learned the wagonmak- ing trade. After two years there he came to Harristown, Macon County, Ill., and established himself in a wagon shop of his own, conducting it for about two years. In 1871 he came to Donnellson. and until 1SS4 conducted a wagon- making shop, when he added the handling of furniture and undertaking, making a number of the coffins he used in his business. In 1896 his son Charles took the wagonmaking part of the business under his charge. Since 190S Mr. Krummel has not given much attention to under- taking, but prior to that was the leading man in this line in this section. He made use of the first hearse in the county, making it himself. and he was the promoter 'of a number of inno- vations. His furniture and variety store in Donnellson is now conducted under the name of F. W. Krummel & Son.

On December 19. 1872, Mr. Krummel was married to Alvina Augurstein, who was born in Germany in August, 1851, and when one year old was brought by her parents to the United States. For two years the family lived at Carlinville, Ill., and then moved on the Phillips farm in Butler Grove Township. later going to the farm north of Panama, in Grisham Town- ship, where she was reared. Mrs. Krummel was living with a sister. Mrs. Henry Bergfehlt. at Hillsboro. Ill., at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Krummel became the parents of the following children : Albert, who died at the age of nineteen years; Fred, who married Lottie lIechel. is a farmer of Grisham Township; Charles, who was married. to Ida Dockery, is a carpenter and contractor; Emelia, who is the wife of Dr. A. B. Cary, was a teacher at East St. Louis, Ill .; Grace, who was graduated from Lincoln College, at Lincoln. Ill .. is a high school teacher of East St. Louis: Mary, who is the wife of Dr. E. T. Turner of Hillsboro; Harry, who served four years in the United States navy. is with his father, and he was married to Zula

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Montgomery County, Volume II, Part 89

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 810

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897, ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913, ed. cn; Strange, Alexander T., ed
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 810