By a life of persistent and well applied industry led along the most
honorable lines, the gentleman whose name appears above has justly earned
the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one at hand,
along with the other men of Marion county who have made their influence felt
in their respective communities.
Harvey D. May, the present popular
Trustee of Haines township and a well known dealer in harness, saddlery and
hardware in the town of Kell, Illinois, was born in Raccoon township, Marion
county, October 12, 1879, and while yet a young man he has shown what
properly applied energy and a business mind can do toward wrenching success
from seeming insurmountable obstacles. He is the son of Jesse H. and Mary
(Williams) May, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee.
Anderson May, the subject's grandfather, was also a native of Kentucky and
was one of the early settlers in Marion county, Illinois, having settled in
Raccoon township. Jesse H. May, who has devoted his life to farming and is
still living in that township, is a highly respected citizen. Three children
were born to the parents of our subject, Amos is a farmer in Raccoon
township; Laura, who is deceased, was the wife of Orvil Prater, and they
were the parents of two children, Etha and Henry, who are still living;
Harvey D., our subject, was the second child.
Our subject was reared
on a farm where he assisted with the work about the place. He attended
school in Raccoon township, having applied himself in such a manner as to
gain the foundation for a good education. Deciding early in life that he
desired to be a harness maker and dealer, Mr. May learned the harness
maker's trade and became quite a proficient workman early in life, and he
finally opened a shop in Kell, this county, establishing his present
business, in which he was successful from the first and which has steadily
grown, his business now extending through a wide scope of country on every
hand, owing to the fair dealing he gives his customers and the intimate
knowledge he has of the harness business. He does a general repair business
and is always very busy. His shop is equipped with all the latest appliances
and improvements known to the harness maker's art and his work is all of a
high grade.
Mr. May's domestic life was begun in 1903, when he was
united in marriage with Ava Williams, who was born in Jefferson county,
Illinois, and is the daughter of N. A. and Jane (Rice) Williams. Mrs. May
was called from her earthly labors January 14, 1908. She was a member of the
Baptist church. She was a woman of many estimable traits of character, a
good wife and was beloved by all her neighbors.
Mr. May is a member
of Romine Lodge No. 663, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has
represented this lodge at the Grand Lodge on two different occasions, and
has passed all the chairs in the local lodge. Our subject is a loyal
Republican and has taken considerable interest in his party's affairs. He
was elected Trustee of Haines township in the spring of 1908. He is regarded
as an energetic, honest and influential citizen, enjoying the respect of all
who know him.
Extracted 10 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 204-205.