Marion County
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Biography - SHANNON KAGY

The memory of the worthy subject of this memorial biography is revered by a host of friends and acquaintances among whom he labored, having spent his energies through a long life of strenuous endeavor to make the most of his opportunities as well as to assist as best he could his neighbors to improve their condition.

Shannon Kagy was born in Marion county, Illinois, May 26, 1844, and he was called from his earthly labors in 1889, after a life of usefulness and success in every particular. He was the son of Christian and Anna (Hite) Kagy, natives of Ohio, and early settlers in Marion county, Illinois.

The subject was reared on his father's farm in Omega township and was educated in the common schools of Marion county. He married Anna E. Brubaker, born in Stevenson township, this county, daughter of Eli and Ann (Warner) Brubaker. Mr. and Mrs. Kagy were the parents of five children, namely: Myrtle, single and living at home, is one of the popular teachers of Marion county; Corwin, who lives in Oregon, married Pearl Crippen; Clark lives in Salem, this county, and married Quette Leckrone, and has two children, Donald and Harvey; Frank married Nellie Boring, living in New Mexico and they have one child, Fay; Ellis married Ora Druendike. He is a farmer and has two children, Keith and Rex.

After his marriage our subject moved to Nebraska, where he remained for three years, then returned to Marion county and went to farming in 1882, on the place where his widow is still living in Stevenson township, three miles east of Salem. Our subject remained on this place until his death. He was a most excellent farmer and always managed his fields to best advantage, reaping rich harvests from year to year, making a comfortable living and laying by an ample competence for his family. He raised good stock and the buildings on his place were comfortable and convenient.

Mr. Kagy was one of the patriotic sons of the great Prairie state who offered their lives on the field of battle to save the Union, having enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served three years. He saw much hard service, but was never wounded nor taken prisoner.

Mr. Kagy was a loyal Democrat and held some of the minor public offices of Stevenson township. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. He was regarded by everyone as a good man, honest and upright at all times and always interested in the welfare of his community, lending what aid he could in its development at all times.

Mrs. Kagy, the widow of our subject, lives on the home farm with her daughter. She manages the entire farm with skill and profit, being a woman of rare business ability and force of character. She understands the proper rotation of crops so as to get the best harvests and the maintenance of the soil to its original fertility. She also understands the proper handling of livestock. Her farm is regarded as one of the best in Stevenson township. The buildings are modern, and always kept in good order. She is held in high esteem by her neighbors and many friends for her many admirable traits of character and her kind heart and cheerful disposition, being a pleasant woman to meet, as is also her daughter.

Extracted 10 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 191-192.