My Genealogy Hound

GILES, ANDREW, proprietor Astor House and constable of the town of Kane, is a native of Ireland, born in Dublin County in 1836. At the age of twelve his parents concluded to better their fortunes in the new world, and accordingly the year 1849 found them passengers on board a sailing vessel. They landed in due time in New York City, eventually settling upon a farm in the State of New York, and there passed the remainder of life. Our subject wended his way west in 1848, locating in Jersey County, where he secured employment upon a farm. Here he married Miss Mary Sweeney, a daughter of Michael Sweeney, one of the first native Irishmen in the county. Four children were born of this marriage: William, John, James and Peter. In 1863 Mr. Giles enlisted in Co. G, 14th Ill., a non-commissioned color sergeant. He served honorably through the war and became a participant in numerous battles, as Belmont, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and others, noted in history. When the war closed he returned to Jersey County, where he remained until 1867, when he moved to New Kane, where he became the proprietor of a hotel, transacting a successful business. Mr. Giles is the owner of town property here, and a worthy citizen of the town.