My Genealogy Hound

WHITE, IRA, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 35, P.O. Kane. The above named gentleman was born in Greene County, February 24, 1837, on the old homestead of his parents Jesse and Tabitha White, whose maiden name was Carrico. As Jesse White ranked among the more prominent farmers and early residents of Greene County, we here append more than a passing notice. He was born in Madison County, Ill., in 1807 and was, in all probability, one of the first white children born in the State. We cannot enter, owing to limited space, into details of his career from boyhood to manhood. Necessarily his boyhood’s days were spent amid pioneer associations. Very few then dwelt in Illinois save wandering parties in search of new scenes and incidents. It was during his early years that he moved to Greene County, where he subsequently became so successful in life. At an early age, 1827, he was united in marriage to Tabitha Carrico. For many years after his marriage he worked as a blacksmith and wagon maker, probably becoming the manufacturer of more wagons than any other one mechanic in Greene County. At one time he was a large property owner, and died February 14, 1872, leaving a large property to his pioneer wife, who is still living, a resident of this township. Ira, from whom this sketch is obtained, grew up a vigorous youth, with a fondness for field sports that made him a skillful marksman in after years. In 1858, he was married to Miss Fanny Close, a daughter of William Close a native of Wayne County, Illinois, by whom he had two children, Jesse and Oscar, deceased. Mrs. White died in 1869, and was laid at rest in the Thompson cemetery. In 1870 Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Close, a sister of his former wife, by whom he has one child, Thirsa. Mr. White is the owner of 135 acres of valuable land, in township 9, range 12. Few are better lovers of nature than he, and few are better known for generous acts.