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OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES:
BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
The History
of
Vermilion County, Illinois
A Tale of its Evolution, Settlement and Progress for
nearly a Century -
Vols. I & 2
By Lottie E. Jones -
Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company -
1911
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WILLIAM KAVANAUGH.
The enduring gratitude of all lovers of liberty is due to the
soldiers who upheld the stars and stripes at the time the union
of the states was threatened and by their sacrifices and
sufferings the men who wore the blue not only set free three
million slaves, but they established the American republic on a
safe and enduring foundation, so that it is today the greatest
nation the sun shines upon. Among the men who fought and
suffered in the Civil war may be named William
Kavanaugh, who in his earlier years was called upon to
endure more than ordinary troubles but at last he established
himself in a happy home, of which he is now the head.
He was born in New York city, December 25, 1846, and is
of sturdy Irish parentage, a son of William and
Sarah (Bloomer) Kavanaugh, who were both born
on the Emerald isle. The father came to America early in the
nineteenth century and followed a seafaring life, becoming
captain of a vessel. He died on the seas and the mother departed
this life in New York city. Three children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Kavanaugh, our subject being the
only one now living.
William Kavanaugh remained under the care
of his mother until he was nine years of age and in 1856 came to
Vermilion county, since which time he has been identified with
its farming interests. He was educated in the public schools and
worked on the farm, but when President Lincoln
needed volunteers to assist those already in the field in the
suppression of the rebellion, Mr. Kavanaugh, then
eighteen years of age, enlisted in Company B, Sixty-third
Indiana Regiment, to serve for three years or until the close of
the war. He proved a brave and efficient soldier and
participated in some of the greatest battles of the war. He was
present at the second battle of Bull Run, and at the battle of
Buzzard's Roost, May 10, 1864, he was dangerously wounded, so
that he was sent to a hospital, where he lay for almost a year
before he was sufficiently recovered to move about. He was
honorably discharged and mustered out at Indianapolis and,
laying aside his uniform and the accoutrements of war, he
returned to Vermilion county, where he has since continued as a
farmer and live-stock raiser.
On October 8, 1879, Mr. Kavanaugh was
united in marriage to Miss Lisie D. Schultz, who was born
in Germany, March 2, 1859. Her father died in the old country
but her mother came to America with her children in 1867 and
remained here until her death. She was the mother of three
girls. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh
has been blessed by eight children: Sarah, the wife of
H. V. Moore, of South Bend, Indiana; William B., a
graduate of the high school and a resident of Hoopeston;
Mamie B., a graduate of Greer College; Edith, Ruth,
Anna B. and Minnie B., all at home; and Julia P.,
deceased.
Mr. Kavanaugh has ever since arriving at
manhood been a warm supporter of the republican party and for
seventeen years past he has served as township clerk. Socially
he is identified with Harmon Post, No. 115, Grand Army of the
Republic, of which he has served for seventeen years as
treasurer. He and his estimable wife are both active members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and by their public-spirit and
interest in others they have attracted many friends who hold
them in high esteem as worthy workers in the cause of humanity.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. -
Vol. II - Pub. 1911 - Page 528
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WILLIAM F. KEENEY, a prominent and
well known resident of Vermilion county, was long actively
identified with agricultural interests here but is now living
retired in Catlin. His birth occurred in Catlin township,
this county, on the 1st of October, 1843, his parents being
Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Caraway) Keeney, both of
whom were natives of Greenbrier county, West Virginia.
They came to Vermilion county in 1831 and bought school land,
erecting a log cabin thereon. Here they continued to
reside throughout the remainder of their lives and in their
passing the community lost two of its most honored and respected
pioneer settlers. They became the parents of nine children
but the only survivor of the family is the subject of this
review.
William F. Keeney attended the common schools in
the acquirement of an education and lived with his parents until
they were called to their final rest. He then took charge
of the old homestead from in Catlin township and the property is
still in his possession. General agricultural pursuits
claimed his attention throughout his active business career and
eventually brought him the competence that now enables him
to spend the evening of life in honorable retirement. Sine
the 1st of January, 1909, he has made his home in the village of
Catlin, having there erected a fine residence. His
property holdings embrace five hundred acres of valuable land in
this county and also a tract of one hundred sixty acres in Meade
county, Kansas. He is like wise identified with financial
interests as the vice president of the First National Bank of
Catlin and is also a director of the bank at Oakwood, this
county.
On the 13th of October, 1880, Mr. Keeney was
joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Richards, a native of
Indiana and a daughter of James and Mary (Kepley)
Richards, who were likewise born in the Hoosier state.
They came to Vermilion county, Illinois, after the close of the
Civil war and passed away in Georgetown. Their children
were twelve in number.
In politics Mr. Keeney is a stanch republican
but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any
attraction for him. Fraternally he is identified with
Mayfield Lodge, No. 635, K. P., and the Modern Woodmen of
America at Catlin, having filled all of the chairs in the latter
organization. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Catlin. Having always remained within
the borders of Vermilion county, he has gained an extensive
circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of
his acquaintances, and his salient characteristics are such as
have won for him the unqualified respect, esteem and good will
of his fellowmen.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. -
Vol. II - Pub. 1911 - Page 6 |
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ANDREW H. KIMBROUGH, M.
D.
There are always some men in every locality whom the citizens of
the community regard with veneration and honor because of a life
that exemplifies all that is commendable, kindly, charitable and
of high principle. Such was the position which Dr. Andrew H.
Kimbrough occupied in Vermilion county. His life was
beautiful in its simplicity, in its freedom from ostentation, in
its helpful spirit. At the same time he was a man of strong
purpose, of keen discrimination and of marked strength of
character. His record, therefore, deserves a prominent place
upon the pages of history in this section of the state. He was
born in Hardin county, Kentucky, February 27, 1823, and came of
a family established in America during colonial days. He was a
relative of General Ethan Allen, who commanded the Vermont
troops at Ticonderoga and other important battles of the
Revolutionary war until his "Green mountain boys" won enduring
fame.
Richard Calvin Kimbrough, the father of Dr.
Kimbrough, was born in North Carolina and his patriotic
loyalty to his country was manifested in active service in the
war of 1812. He was wounded at the battle of Horseshoe Bend, his
arm being almost entirely severed by the Indians. He likewise
participated in the engagement at New Orleans. It was while the
second war with England was in progress that the Kimbrough
family removed to Kentucky, establishing their home in Hardin
county near the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. In
that locality resided the family of Colonel Morrison,
an uncle of Dr. Kimbrough. Richard C.
Kimbrough was united in marriage in Hardin county to Miss
Jane Morrison. By trade a tanner, he turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits when in the Blue Grass state,
cultivating for some time a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
which he purchased. At a later date, however, he removed to
Stratton township, Edgar county, Illinois, where he lived until
his death, which occurred in 1833. His life was in harmony with
his professions as a member of the Christian church, in which he
served as a minister, and he gave evidence of his attitude upon
political questions in his support of the democratic party. His
wife long survived him and passed away on the 1st of June, 1876.
In their family were nine children, all of whom have now passed
away. The family experienced all of the hardships and privations
of pioneer life and not only did Richard C. Kimbrough
defend the interests of his country in the war of 1812 but also
participated in the Black Hawk and other Indian wars.
Dr. Andrew Hansford Kimbrough was but three
years of age when his parents took up their abode upon a farm in
Stratton township, Edgar county, Illinois. The state had been
admitted to the Union only a few years before and was
practically an unimproved wilderness, in which the Indians were
far more numerous than the white settlers. Log cabins were the
homes of the early pioneers and log pens sheltered the domestic
animals, protecting them from the depredations of wild animals
at night. Pioneer life in the woods was not the luxury that
country life is today. When going to call on a neighbor miles
away the shot gun and sharp knife were always carried and they
were also taken to the fields and even to religious services
which were always held in some settler's cabin. No one could
tell at what time on the path through the woods dangerous
animals and poisonous reptiles might be encountered. Schools,
too, were of a primitive character and the sessions were held
only in the winter months when it was impossible to do work out
of doors. The remainder of the year was devoted to clearing
land, chopping wood and building fences. Instruction was given
in reading, writing and arithmetic, and the older pupils had
lessons in geography.
Amid such surroundings Dr. Kimbrough
spent the days of his boyhood and after reaching man's estate
engaged in teaching school for a time during the winter months,
while the summer seasons were devoted to the work of the farm.
Not being content with the life of the agriculturist, however,
he removed to Paris, Illinois, with his little family, then
consisting of a wife and three children. Determining to make the
practice of medicine his life work, he began studying in the
office and under the direction of Dr. John
Tenbrook, and afterward spent two winters as a student of
the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
from which institution he was graduated with the class of
1858-9. The same year he located for practice in Georgetown,
Illinois, and soon had all that he could do. His practice was
large and extended over a large territory and in making his
visits he traveled through a country in which dense forests, few
roads, high rail fences and log cabins were the principal
features. No tiling drained the land and the mud was deep and
sticky until the summer sun dried it out. Getting lost day and
night in strange woods, coming to swollen streams across which
there were no bridges, making his way to the opposite bank in a
skiff, going without sleep and meals—such was the Doctor's daily
life for fifteen years. Realizing at length that his duties were
too arduous for one of his age, and feeling that it was unwise
thus to ride horseback over the prairies, he removed to Danville
in 1873 and in this city continued the practice of his
profession for nearly thirty years, or until 1901, when age and
health compelled him to retire. He was remarkably successful in
his work and took great interest in it, often saying: "It is the
grandest calling a man can follow; a physician finds out as no
other man can all the troubles of his patients, mental and
spiritual as well as physical, and can give relief." He always
kept in touch with the advancement of the profession and his
care of the sick and administration of remedial agencies were
followed by excellent results. He became the loved family
physician in many households in Danville, many families
retaining his service until he was no longer in practice. He
held membership with the Vermilion County Medical Society, the
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and
he was one of the charter members of the first named.
It was on the 14th of March, 1847, in Marshall, Clark
county, Illinois, that Dr. Kimbrough was united in
marriage to Miss Sarah Ashmore, who was
born in that county, April 10, 1820, and was a daughter of
Amos Ashmore, a native of Greenville, Tennessee. Her
mother, who in her maidenhood was Patience McGuire,
was born in Marion, Pennsylvania, where she was also married.
Mr. Ashmore was the first white child born in
Greenville and lived in an old cabin there. His father entered
eleven hundred acres of land on Duck river in Kentucky, but lost
it through war claims. 'A' contemporary biographer has said in
this connection: "The great-grandfather of Mrs.
Kimbrough was a professor in the University of Edinburg, in
London and a church and street of that city were named in his
honor. Her grandfather was born in London to which place his
parents had removed from Scotland. Her grandfather McGuire
was born on the ocean when his parents were crossing the
Atlantic to America. He was a strong Catholic and fled from the
Emerald isle during the period of the persecution of the Irish
people. Both the paternal and the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Kimbrough served in the Revolutionary war under
Washington. Her father was an own cousin of Sam
Houston, the liberator of Texas, and was said to resemble
him greatly in personal appearance. A farmer by occupation, he
also engaged in taking contracts for the construction of public
roads. For a time he resided near Newman, Tennessee, but before
the birth of his daughter he removed to a place five miles from
Terre Haute, Indiana, thence going to Clark county, Illinois.
Later he became a resident of Georgetown, Vermilion county, and
died in Elwood township in 1863, at the age of eighty-one years.
His wife had passed away in 1861. In his political faith he was
a Jackson democrat and in religious belief was a Presbyterian.
Mrs. Ashmore had four brothers who were
Presbyterian ministers. One of these, Rev. Stephen
Balch, was chaplain of the first congress that convened
after the election of George Washington to the
presidency of the United States. At his death his remains were
interred in the Congressional cemetery at Washington. Mrs.
Ashmore is also a distant relative of General
Wayne and it is said personally resembled him. Mr.
Ashmore in the paternal line was a lineal descendant of
Rev. Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister and one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs.
Kimbrough now recounts many events of the Revolutionary war
which she heard from her own people, and if written would make a
very interesting volume. She says that the Indians were
very numerous in this state during her early girlhood, and she
was personally acquainted with a number of noted chiefs,
including Killbuck who traded with the whites. She came
to Vermilion county in 1858 and from that time forward has been
a resident of this portion of the state. She was one of a family
of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, but only one of
the number is now living: Margaret, who is the widow of Rev.
Isaac Bennett and resides in St. Louis, Missouri.
Unto Dr. and Mrs. Kimbrough were
born two daughters and a son, Laura, Eugene R. E. and
Ardilla. The son was representative from this district in
the state legislature in 1878 and 1879, and for one term was
mayor of Danville.
In his boyhood days he declared that he was going to
have three diplomas; he won the first from Bryant & Stratton
Business College of Chicago; the second from the state
university in 1873; and the third upon his admission to the bar.
He was one of the leading oratorical contestants in the state
university. For fifty-six years Dr. and
Mrs. Kimbrough traveled life's journey together and
on the 16th of March, 1897, celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary, which occasion was made a memorable one by the
reception tendered them at their beautiful home by relatives and
friends who gave substantial evidence of their esteem and regard
in the presentation of magnificent and beautiful gifts.
Throughout the period of their residence here Dr. and Mrs.
Kimbrough occupied a prominent social position. They held
membership in the Presbyterian church, at Paris, Illinois, the
Doctor being identified therewith for fifty years.
His political allegiance was given to the democracy and
at all times he stood as a progressive citizen, deeply
interested in local progress and the national welfare, and
cooperated in every measure for the public good. He endeared
himself greatly to all with whom he came into contact, whether
in professional or social relations. He was a man of broad
humanitarian principles, kindly in spirit, charitable in
disposition, generous in action, and when he passed away,
September 17, 1903, when almost eighty-one years of age, the
sorrow expressed throughout the entire community was most
genuine. He had been a resident of Illinois for more than the
Psalmist's allotted span of life—three score years and ten—and
throughout that period his life had been actuated by the most
honorable principles, so that his example remains as one worthy
of emulation by all while his memory is both an inspiration and
a benediction to those who knew him.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. -
Vol. II - Pub. 1911 - Page 578
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HON. E. R. E.
KIMBROUGH, judge of the Fifth circuit court, is one of
the most distinguished jurists of this section of the state and
is a man prominent in both professional and business circles.
For over a third of a century he has been engaged in the
practice of law in Danville and his practice has always been of
an extensive and important character. He is recognized as a man
of evenly balanced mind and of splendid intellectual
attainments, and he is thoroughly alive to the vital questions
and interests of the day, while his sound judgment is manifest
in his clear and logical opinions concerning points of law and
questions of business expediency or matters which touch the
general interests of society.
A native of Illinois, Judge Kimbrough was born near
Paris in Edgar county on the 28th of March, 1851, his parents
being Andrew Hansford and Sarah (Ashmore) Kimbrough, the
former a native of Hardin county, Kentucky, and the latter of
Clark county, Illinois. On the paternal side he is of Scotch
descent, though his ancestors came to this country nearly three
hundred years ago and first settled in Virginia. Some of them
participated in Bacon's Rebellion, including Thomas
Hansford, who was executed for his participation in that
struggle in 1676. Fisk in his book speaks of him as being
the first martyr to American liberty. It was for this gentleman
that cur subject's father was named. The Judge's grandfather,
Goldman Kimbrough, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. Richard Calvin Kimbrough was the first
and only representative of the family to come to Illinois, he
having removed to this state from the south on account of his
opposition to slavery. He taught the first school in Edgar
county, where he settled on his removal from North Carolina to
this state in 1825. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was
twice wounded, once at Horseshoe Bend and later at New Orleans.
Dr. Andrew H. Kimbrough, the father of our
subject, was a physician by profession and a graduate of
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, completing the course
there about 1857. He accompanied his parents on their removal to
this state and after receiving his degree began practice in
Paris but the following year located in Georgetown, Illinois,
where he remained until 1873, which year witnessed his arrival
in Danville. Here he made his home until his death, in 1903. He
was prominent in his profession and was known throughout this
entire section of the state. Prior to his death he was stricken
with paralysis while at work in his office and he was helpless
during many of his later years. He was a powerful man physically
and was in his eighty-second year when called to his final rest.
His wife died August 4, 1904, in her eighty-fifth year. She
became a resident of Georgetown, Vermilion county, in 1858, and
in 1873 located in Danville, where she continued to make her
home until her death. To the Doctor arid his wife were born
three children, namely: Laura, Dill and E. R.
E.
The Judge's mother could relate many interesting
incidents of pioneer life in this section of the state and well
remembered on her seventh birthday that her father attended a
sale of lots in Danville, this being April 10, 1827. At the time
the property on which the Daniel building now stands was sold
for twenty-five dollars and the first schoolhouse in the county
stood on that site. This building was first used as a school and
afterward as a place for storing venison, but was set on fire
and burned by some one in order to get the meat it contained.
William H. Price, one of the pioneers of Pilot township, who
died recently, told Judge Kimbrough that the first
work he ever did was to keep the deer and wild turkeys out of
the clearing where corn had been planted on the site of what is
now the residences of the Judge and Captain Winter.
He said he had a horn which he would blow to scare them away,
but deer and wild turkeys were so numerous that they paid no
attention to him and in order to frighten them more he beat his
horn against a tree, thus breaking it, for which he caught a
good "tanning."
The early education which Judge Kimbrough
acquired, in the public schools, was supplemented by a course of
study at the Illinois State Normal School at Normal, where he
was graduated in 1873. He was then employed as superintendent of
the Golconda school for one year, accepting that position in
order to earn a little spending money while he was studying law.
At the end of that time he entered the law office of Hon.
Elias S. Terry of Danville and pursued his studies
under the direction of the latter until admitted to the bar on
the 8th of January, 1876. He then opened an office in the First
National Bank Building in this city and was engaged in practice
under the firm name of Lindsey & Kimbrough until
December, 1882, his partner being W. D. Lindsey. After
severing that connection he was alone in practice for some years
and next formed a partnership with James A. Meeks in
July, I893. He continued a member of that firm until his
elevation to the bench in 1903 and so capably did he fill the
position that he was reelected in 1909, his present term
expiring in June, 1915. At both elections he received the
highest majority of any man running on either ticket, although
the district is strongly republican, Vermilion county having a
republican majority of about six thousand, but the judge
received over five hundred votes more than his opponent, being
high man in the district and third in the county. At the second
election he received a majority of fifteen hundred and
forty-seven, which was the largest received by any man, either
in the district or county. Upon the bench he has given the
utmost satisfaction, his rulings being fair and impartial, and
his excellent knowledge of the law makes his decisions worthy of
note, so that he has been called upon to try more cases than any
other judge in this part of the state.
He has not confined his attention wholly to his
professional duties but has become largely interested in
business enterprises of magnitude and is now serving as vice
president of the First National Bank, as a director of the
Danville Building Association and the Home Building Association.
He is also connected with the Emery Dry Goods Company and
was formerly identified with the Electric Light & Gas Company.
He is one of the owners of the Temple building and was a member
of the firm that erected the Danville building.
On the 14th of September, 1876, Judge Kimbrough
was united in marriage to Miss Julia C. Tincher, a
daughter of John L. Tincher of Danville, who was one of
the founders of the First National Bank and a partner of J.
G. English in the banking business. At one time he was one
of the leading business men of this city and was also prominent
in political affairs, serving as a member of the state senate
when he died in Springfield, in 1871. The only child born to
Judge and Mrs. Kimbrough was Robert, who died in
1886, at the age of nine years.
For many years Judge Kimbrough has been
recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens
of Danville and he has been honored with several official
positions, the duties of which he has most creditably
discharged. He is now serving as a member of the library board
and the state board of education, having filled the latter
position since 1893. He is also president of the Spring Hill
Cemetery Association and for nine years was a member of the
local board of education in Danville. In 1882 and again in 1884
he was elected to the state legislature, being a member of the
thirty-third and thirty-fourth general assemblies, and was
called upon to serve as chairman of the judiciary committee
while the department and practice committee was made up for him.
In 1897 he was elected mayor of Danville on the reform ticket
and during his administration accomplished what he said he would
do, but refused to become a candidate for reelection. He was a
delegate to the national democratic conventions of 1888 and 1892
and to the gold democratic convention of 1896.
Fraternally he has attained the Knights Templar degree in the
Masonic order and is also connected with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. His has been a conspicuously
successful career. Endowed by nature with high intellectual
qualities, to which were added the discipline and embellishment
of culture, his is a most attractive personality. He is today
undoubtedly one of the most prominent members of the bar in this
section of the state, receiving from the entire legal profession
that honor and respect which is accorded only in recognition of
superior personal and professional merits. He is particularly
alive to the interests and vital questions of the day whether of
a professional, political or business nature, and his labors and
efforts have been of a most practical character while at the
same time he works toward high ideals.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. -
Vol. II - Pub. 1911 - Page 501
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FRED L. KLEIN.
A fact to which due recognition is not always accorded is that
Germany has contributed in very large measure to the
development and progress of the new world. History indicates
the fact that representatives of the Teutonic race have done
much toward planting the seeds of civilization in America and
promoting later day progress. Mr. Klein is
numbered among those whose worth as a citizen and business man
reflects credit both upon the land of his nativity and the
land of his adoption. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
July 11, 1855. His parents, Henry and Katherine (Seeger)
Klein, were reared and married in Germany and never became
residents of the new world. The father was a chemist and
mining engineer and met with an accidental death while
inspecting a mine in 1864. His wife also passed away in the
same year.
Fred L. Klein was thus left an orphan when a
little lad of nine summers. He pursued his education in the
schools of the fatherland and in 1872, at the age of seventeen
years, came to America, settling first in Baltimore, Maryland,
remaining in the east until 1878, when he became a resident of
Indiana. He had served an apprenticeship to the apothecary's
trade, covering a period of four years and two months. For a
brief period he was employed in a drug store in Marshfield,
Indiana, in 1878 and then went to Williamsport, Indiana, where
he filled a position as drug clerk until 1879. In that year he
arrived in Hoopeston and until 1883 was employed by W. T.
Hobert, Dr. Pierce and Dr. McCaughey,
who were then partners in the conduct of a retail drug store,
Mr. Klein acting as manager of the business until 1883,
when he removed to Iroquois county, where he engaged in
farming for five years. In 1888 he went to Ambia, Indiana,
where he established a retail drug business and during his
residence there also served as postmaster, under appointment
of President Harrison, from 1888 until 1892.
The following year Mr. Klein returned to
Hoopeston and was connected with Elliot & Wilson,
druggists, until 1896, when he removed to Wellington, where he
conducted a drug store for Flagg Brothers for a brief
period. Again he came to Hoopeston and purchased the drug
stock of J. C. Malster, which business he
continued until the fall of 1900, when he sold out to
George E. Lester. He then went west, settling in Montana
for the purpose of prospecting and mining, remaining in that
section of the country until the early part of 1903. At that
time he again came to Hoopeston and accepted a position with
Hoffman Brothers, with whom he continued until 1906,
when he again established a store of his own and today has the
finest drug store in the city, dealing exclusively in drugs
and druggists' sundries. His stock is large and complete in
every particular and the tasteful arrangement of the store and
his reasonable prices are also features in his success.
While in Montana he discovered a very heavy vein of corundum,
a mineral used in the polishing of diamonds and with the
exception of diamonds is the hardest substance known. His
discovery resulted in bringing to him a considerable sum of
money, enabling him to establish the well appointed store in
Hoopeston of which he is now proprietor.
Mr. Klein was married in this city on the
13th of April, 1882, to Miss Susan A. Rosenberger, a
daughter of George W. Rosenberger and a native of
Virginia but a resident of Hoopeston since early childhood.
Both of her parents are living, her father being a farmer in
Milford township, Iroquois county, Illinois. Mr. and
Mrs. Klein have five children: Carrie,
who was born in Iroquois county, March 23, 1883; John,
who was born on a farm in Iroquois county, December 19, 1885,
and now serving as city treasurer of Hoopeston, to which
position he was elected in April, 1910; Katherine, who
was born on a farm in Iroquois county, June 21, 1888, and is
now a teacher of expression at Campbell Hagerman College in
Lexington, Kentucky; Thomas, born at Ambia, Indiana,
August 6, 1891, and now a student in the Medico Chirurgical
College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Karl, who
was born in Hoopeston, June 26, 1894, and is attending the
public schools.
Politically Mr. Klein is a republican and
at times an active worker in the ranks of the party. His
religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in which he
was reared. Coming to America in early manhood, he has since
worked his way steadily upward, so that he has no occasion to
regret his determination to seek a home and fortune on this
side the Atlantic. Persistent labor has been the keynote of
his success and he has at all times been found as a
representative and reliable business man, honored and
respected by all who know him.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. -
Vol. II - Pub. 1911 - Page 525 ok |
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CHARLES N. KNOX.
Born in Oakwood township, May 4, 1860, Charles N. Knox
is a farmer who has gained an enviable reputation for the
success in the county where he "has lived ever since his
birth. His father was also a native of this county and was
here married in 1850 to Martha Norris, a native of
Brown county, Ohio. He was a man of fine character and
marked intellectual traits and after his marriage began the
practice of medicine, in which he continued with a good
measure of success until he was called away April 1, 1863.
Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Knox: Frank,
now a resident of Butler county, Kansas; A. D.,
of Cincinnati, Ohio; Charles N., the subject of this
review; and James A., who died April 4, 1897. Four
years after the death of her first husband the mother was
married to William Meade, a farmer of this
county, and had three children by her second husband:
Irvin M., now of Jefferson county, Illinois; and
Delbert and Robert, both of Vermilion county. After her
second marriage she resided upon a farm in Oakwood township
until called away by death July 24, 1900. Mr.
Meade, who proved a kind protector to the family,
departed this life in February, 1902.
Charles N. Knox received his education in the
district schools and assisted in the work of the farm during
the years of his boyhood until he arrived at maturity. After
his marriage he located upon a farm near Oakwood, it being a
part of the old homestead which had passed into the
possession of his wife. Here he made many improvements and
during the years that have elapsed has added one hundred and
twenty-five acres to the original tract, so that now he and
his wife own a highly developed farm of one hundred and
seventy-five acres, the general appearance of buildings and
the farm itself indicating that Mr. Knox is
up-to-date in his ideas and has made practical use of modern
methods. He has always been an admirer of fine breeds of
stock, for the farm as well as for any other use to which
they may be applied, and he has been a fancier of Percheron
Norman horses and owns some of the finest animals of that
kind in the county. He has also handled other stock of good
quality such as cattle and hogs and by the application of
practical ideas attained in this branch of industry a marked
degree of success. He and his wife now live in a beautiful
home in Oakwood, which is the center for many gatherings of
friends and acquaintances of the family.
On September 22, 1881, Mr. Knox was
united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Fox, a
daughter of George A. and Margaret (Oakwood) Fox,
her father being a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania,
and her mother of Brown county, Ohio. The latter came with
her parents to this county in 1832 and Mr. Fox came
alone about 1850 and here they became acquainted and on
September 9, 1854, were married. Mr. Fox was a
respected farmer, who had a wide acquaintance in this part
of the county, his death, which occurred October 14, 1900,
being a matter of sincere regret. He was preceded to the
grave by his wife, who was called away July 30, 1899. At the
time of their departure they owned a farm of sixty-five
acres. They were the parents of six children: William H.,
Abraham L., Eli H., Grant, George F. and Ella N.
To Mr. and Mrs. Knox three children have been born.
Florence, who was born August 9, 1888, received a
fine education and, being granted a diploma as a school
teacher, has taught for four years and still engages in the
work, being highly popular as a teacher and as an active
member of the community. John C., born March 25,
1892, is a graduate of the Oakwood high school. Blanche,
born January 21, 1894, is now pursuing her studies in the
final year of the high-school course.
Mr. Knox years ago became affiliated with
the Masonic Lodge, No. 872, of Oakwood, and has served as
treasurer of that organization. He is also a member of Lodge
No. 332, B. P. O. E., of Danville, and of Lodge No. 1727, M.
W. A., of Oakwood. He and his family are closely affiliated
with the Methodist Episcopal church and both he and Mrs.
Knox are stanch advocates of the value of education,
as is shown by the excellent advantages which they have
extended to their children. He is an intelligent, active and
progressive citizen, belonging to that sort of men that keep
business alive and moving and who constitute the basis of
our civilization.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. - Vol. II - Pub. 1911
- Pg. 306 ok |
| |
WILLIAM D.
KUYKENDALL. Among the farmers now living in
Illinois are some who came from the south before the Civil war
and have ever since made their homes in this state, assisting in
the great work of improvement that has brought about such a
remarkable transformation and placed Illinois near the head of
the column as one of the wealthiest and most popular states of
the Union. Many of the young men arriving from the south were
not at that time possessed of any abundance of this world's
goods, but they had great faith and strong arms with which to
win for themselves a place among strangers and these are two of
the most important elements in the world when allied with a
noble ambition—the ambition to own a home—one of the most
inspiring ambitions that can take possession of any human being.
William D. Kuykendall was among the fortunate ones who
joined the movement to the rich lands of Vermilion county and
here many of his dreams have been realized.
He was born in the western part of Virginia, February
11, 1831, a son of Luke and Elizabeth (Welch)
Kuykendall, both of good Virginia stock. The mother died at
her old home but the father was again married and came west to
Indiana in 1855, moving to Vermilion county a short time
afterward, where he became identified with farming interests and
where he spent his last days. He was the father of three
children by his first marriage, all of whom are now living, and
five children by his second marriage, three of whom are living.
The subject of this review came west with his father
and continued with him through the earlier years of manhood, but
at the age of twenty-five he began on his own account upon a
rented farm. After acquiring a small capital he purchased a farm
in Blount township, which he conducted for one year, but at the
termination of that period he disposed of it and removed to
Danville, where he engaged for eighteen years consecutively in
the livery business. He disposed of that business about 1889 and
moved upon a farm which his wife owned in Middlefork township.
Here he has since lived and has erected a handsome brick
residence and otherwise greatly improved the place, making it
one of the valuable and highly productive properties in his
portion of the county. He and his wife are now the owners of
more than twelve hundred acres of land in Middlefork township.
Earlier in life Mr. Kuykendall made a specialty of
raising and feeding stock, but of recent years he has confined
his efforts more closely to agriculture and with very gratifying
results.
In 1863 Mr. Kuykendall was united in marriage to
Miss Emily Jane Goliday, of Franklin county, Ohio. Three
children were born of this union, two of whom are now living:
Frank, a resident of Peoria, Illinois; and Jane, the
wife of J. Freese, of Champaign county, this state. Mrs.
Kuykendall having been called away, Mr. Kuykendall
was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha
J. Smith, who was born in Ross township, this county, a
daughter of J. and Adaline (Moorehead) Smith, the father
being a native of England and the mother of Virginia. Two
children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Kuykendall: J. S., now living on the farm; and May,
the wife of Dr. George W. Hughes, of Vermilion county.
Mr. Kuykendall gives his allegiance to
the republican party, believing that it is the party best
qualified to safeguard the interests of the state and nation. He
has never held any public office except that of school director,
but as a loyal citizen, a kind neighbor and a true friend to
those with whom he is associated, he has at all times attempted
to perform his whole duty. It is doubtful indeed whether any
residents of Middlefork township are more truly entitled to the
respect of the community than the subject of this sketch and his
estimable wife.
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Ill. - Vol. II - Pub. 1911
- Pg. 287 ok |
NOTES: |
