My Genealogy Hound

CANNEDY, WILLIAM H. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 5, P.O. Rockbridge. When the long lines of emigrant trains dotted the prairies between the States of Tennessee and Illinois, and many sought the new Eldorado, extending from St. Louis to Chicago, among the number whose white-capped wagons were drawn slowly across the native prairie grass, we mention with more than a passing notice, James Cannedy, father of the honored gentleman whose name stands at the top of this sketch. He was born in South Carolina, March 20, 1790, removing to Tennessee when that State had witnessed few improvements. He was there married to Miss Eliza Grizzle. In the war of 1812 he took an active part, and after its close began the life of a saddler, and subsequently became an exceedingly prosperous farmer. In the commencement of this narrative, we have made mention of his emigration to the West, this was in 1829, when marvelous reports began to be spread abroad, of Illinois. The family then comprised husband, wife and eight children. A first stopping place was made in Jefferson County, but not long afterward he moved to that portion of Greene County now set apart and known as T. 11, R. 10. He built a cabin of the usual description and became in after years a moderately successful farmer; he was commissioned a captain of a military company during the Black Hawk war, but was not called upon to participate, owing to the rebellion coming suddenly to a close. He died on the 15th of January, 1872, finding a last resting place in Greene County; his wife had preceded him to that bourne from whence no traveler ever returns, Aug. 10, 1867. William, whose energetic career in Illinois is worthy of more than a passing notice, grew up amid the pioneer boys of Greene County, many of whom bear a prominent part in the prosperity of Southern Illinois. He received a liberal education by dint of hard study during his youth and early manhood. The 5th of March, 1855, he was married to Miss Mahala Allen, a daughter of Nathan Allan of Kentucky; he now taught school for a number of years. Regularly and prior to this he had taught young scholars, many who are now gray haired men, and residents of the county. During the Autumn of 1858, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace; in those days the press of business incumbent upon the office proved so great that it interfered materially with his school duties, and since this date, until very recently, he has attended to the duties of his farm and been the recipient of other township offices. In the capacity of justice, through his knowledge of the law, he acquired a proficiency that has never been equaled in this county. In religious matters he has taken a deep interest for many years, contributing financially and otherwise toward their support, and now, after a long and eventful life, he is the possessor of 151 ½ acres of valuable land, which will compare favorably with any other farm of its size in the State and county, on which he erected some years ago a handsome farm residence. Of the marriage above mentioned nine children were born, all of whom are living: Jas. F., Louisa, Mary Ann, Melinda C., Sarah M., Thos. J., John W., Cora J. I., Martha E. Before bringing this sketch to a close it will be well to make a note of the fact that few have the confidence of the people to such an extent as Mr. C., who has officiated as township school trustee and treasurer many years and is at present notary public.