My Genealogy Hound

JOHN KELLOGG, Notary Public, McLean. In writing the biographical history of the old settlers of McLean, Mr. John Kellogg is mentioned as, if not the first settler, one who is surely as well known as any man of Mt. Hope Township; he is a native of Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., born April 19, 1803; his people are of Welsh descent; in 1834, he made a trip West, locating at Pekin, where he remained two years, buying grain, which he shipped to St. Louis; he organized the first Sabbath school that was ever originated in that place, filling the office of Superintendent, which he has done for many years in different schools, as he has been a member of the M. E. Church for fifty-two years. A two horse wagon which he brought from the East was a great curiosity to the class of settlers which he found at Pekin; he tells many funny incidents which occurred between himself and the people; they could hardly be reconciled to the belief that a live Yankee was a safe kind of an animal to be at large; however, before leaving there, they were most any of them ready to fight for him if occasion required; after residing there two years, he returned to the East, where he remained until 1854, when he again came West, locating at Tremont, Tazewell Co.; there he was engaged in the mercantile trade for three years, when he moved to McLean and followed the same business until 1862. Since his residence in McLean, he has been almost continually in public office; for many years, he has been Justice of the Peace and Notary Public; he held the office of Postmaster for twelve consecutive years, except during A. Johnson’s administration; he was at that time asked to remit $5 to help support the Constitution, which he refused to do, the consequence being he stepped down and out for a couple of years; he has also held the office of Township Supervisor for two years; during the township organization question, he took an active part, being President of the meetings. He is a man so well known to the people of Mt. Hope Township that compliments of press are unnecessary. He was married Oct. 15, 1828, to Miss Sarah Hubbard, of his native county; they have had two children, but one of whom is living — Mr. N. S., who was born July 17, 1829.