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.