My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. JOHN A. MANN was born near Chester, Ill., November 8, 1839, and died January 4, 1893, at his home in Randolph County. During his life, covering a period of little more than a half-century, he was instrumental in promoting the interests of the county and the welfare of the people, and though now gone from the scenes of his former activities, he still lives in the memory of the friends of days gone by. His business career was a profitable and prosperous one, and the success he attained was the result of energy and untiring perseverance.

The son of Robert and Salina (Balch) Mann, the subject of this sketch was the sixth of their family of four sons and three daughters. When in his sixth year he accompanied his father to a farm on Mary’s River, and there remained until about thirteen years of age, at which time the family moved to Chester. There John attended school and made his home until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted as a private in Company I, Tenth Illinois Infantry. During the course of the conflict he served with valor, defending the Stars and Stripes with courage and perseverance.

Having followed the river a few years before the war, our subject naturally drifted back to his old occupation when discharged from the service. At various times he occupied the positions of Captain, pilot and engineer, in all of which he was proficient. His last positions before retiring from river life were those of Captain and pilot on the ferry boat “Belle of Chester,” running from the city for which it was named to Claryville, Mo. In 1871, in connection with his brother-in-law, Dr. Davis, the Captain purchased a drug store in Steeleville, Ill., which they conducted for the five succeeding years. At the expiration of that time, Captain Mann returned to the river, where he remained until May of 1892. On account of failing health, he retired from the river and settled upon a farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which formed half of the old Holloman homestead, and had been purchased from other heirs in 1881. There his death occurred, and thence his body was borne to his last resting place.

Mrs. Mary E. Mann, the widow of the Captain, was born August 9, 1846, being the only daughter and the second in order of birth in a family of four children. Her parents, Ezekiel and Mary G. (Brown) Holloman, were natives of Middle Tennessee, both having been born in 1812. They came to Randolph County at the ages of three and sixteen respectively. Mrs. Mann was born upon the farm where she now resides and, excepting five years in Steeleville and three in Chester, this has always been her home. To the Captain and his wife were born eight children, of whom five survive, namely: Ira, Bess, Eri, Bernice and Orfa. Those deceased are Ellen, Minnie and Roscoe.

The home farm in township 7, range 5, Mrs. Mann does not operate, but rents to tenants, who have the care of the place. In religious belief she is a Presbyterian and holds membership with the church in Steeleville. She is a lady of noble character and amiable disposition, and is loved by her family, esteemed by her friends and honored by all who know her. The Captain was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically voted the Republican ticket.