likewise a stockholder in Illinois Valley Bank at Griggsville
and the Pike County Telephone Company. His interests are concentrated,
however, upon his farm and live stock and he carries forward
to successful completion whatever he undertakes, having the
quality of perseverance that enable him to overcome all difficulties
and obstacles that may arise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Carnes are active
members of the United Brethren church, in which he is serving
as a trustee and he is likewise one of the trustees of Westfield
College. They occupy a prominent position in public regard and
are worthy representatives of one of the leading families of
this part of the state, the name of Carnes being inseparably
associated with the history of Pike county.
JOHN
WHITE
John White, deceased, who in his connection with the agricultural interests in Pike county, found that prosperity
might be attained through earnest and persistent effort, and won his success along those lines, was born in Londonderry,
Ireland, in 1809, his parents being John and Margaret (Glass) White, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle.
In the common schools of that country Mr. White obtained his education and then, thinking to improve his opportunities
in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to America when twenty-two years of age, locating at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where he remained for six years. During the greater part of that time he followed weaving, and later removed to
Quincy, Illinois, where he engaged in teaming, until his removal to Pike county in 1839. Here he cast in his lot
with the pioneer settlers, locating at New Philadelphia.
Subsequently he purchased land, and he further completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage
in 1845 to Miss Margaret Smith, who was born in Scotland. They had one child, now deceased; and the mother died
in 1846. In April, 1856, Mr. White was again married, his second union being with Mary E. Cunningham, who was born
in Londonderry, Ireland, March 17, 1833, and a daughter of Thomas and Isabella (Smith) Cunningham, both of whom
were natives of Ireland. Mrs. White came to America with her brother, Thomas, in 1855, sailing from Liverpool to
New York, the voyage lasting six weeks. Her parents came to America in 1856, locating in New Salem township, Pike
county. Her father was a farmer by occupation, owning and operating eighty acres of land. In his family were seven
children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. White; Robert, a resident of Canada; and Samuel, who is living
in Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. White were reared in the same neighborhood in Ireland, their homes being separated by a distance of
only about twelve miles, but they became acquainted in this country. Mrs. White lived with her aunt until her marriage.
There were ten children born of this union, of whom seven are yet living: Joseph, who was educated in the common
schools and is living upon the home farm, is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 218, of New Salem, and the Odd
Fellows lodge, No. 834, of New Salem. Robert, who acquired a common-school education, also belongs to the Odd Fellows
lodge at New Salem, in which he has passed through all the chairs. Emmett, who was educated in Jacksonville, Illinois,
married Lena Steinback and lives on his mother's farm. He is also affiliated with the Odd Fellows lodge at New
Salem. Frank, who was educated in Baylis and assists in the operation of the home farm, is likewise an Odd Fellow,
Mrs. Margaret Wray, now a widow, resides in Quincy. Anna Belle became the wife of Elliot Motley, and both are now
deceased, their three children now living with their grandmother, Mrs. White. Mary Jane is the wife of John Jacob,
a resident of Kansas. Emily Alice is the wife of Jacob Irick and lives near the home farm.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. White owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he added from time to
time until his landed possessions comprised eight hundred and sixty acres. He was a most industrious and energetic
man, whose economy and frugality also proved an important element in his prosperity. He was a great stockman, and
engaged quite extensively in
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