My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM E. KETCHAM, general insurance agent, and dealer in groceries, provisions, crockery, etc. (firm of Ketcham & Seybolt); P. O. Chenoa; was born in Otisville, Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1838. In 1856, he came to Tremont, Tazewell Co., Ill., and engaged in civil engineering on the Tonica & Petersburg R. R., and assisted in the survey of that road from Washburn to Petersburg, Ill. In 1858, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Tazewell Co., serving two years. In Jan., 1861, he obtained a position in the Post Office Department in Washington, D. C., and, in September following, was transferred to the pay department as Paymaster’s Clerk, and held that position till Aug., 1865. In Sept., 1865, he came to Chenoa, and, with A. B. Seybolt, engaged in the grocery business, which they still continue. For the past three years, he has been transacting a general insurance business. In March, 1871, their store was destroyed by fire, and they at once erected their present two-story brick building, forming a part of Union Block. He has served as City Clerk for nearly five years. He was married, Jan. 21, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Clapp, of Cleveland, Ohio, and has three children living — John, Lillian and Anna.