Manning M. Kessinger, who has attained prominence by
the able manner in which he has discharged his duties as superintendent of
the schools of Macoupin County, is a resident of Carlinville. He was born in
this county February 7, 1868, and is a son of John and Eliza (Adams)
Kessinger. The Kessinger family is of German extraction and was established
in this country by two brothers who settled in Pennsylvania. One of these
brothers later moved to Kentucky where Lynn Kessinger, grandfather of our
subject, was born.
Lynn Kessinger moved from Kentucky to Illinois at
an early day and became a prominent agriculturist of Macoupin County. He
died in 1895 at the age of 93 years. He married Betsy Peebles, by whom he
had the following children: Wilmith (Huskey); Ann (Logsdon); Elizabeth
(McKain); Mary (Henry); Frank; Alexander; John; and Bird. Religiously, the
family were Methodists.
John Kessinger, father of our subject, was
born in Kentucky, where he was reared and lived until he reached the age of
19 years. Leaving his native State, he came to Illinois and located upon a
tract of 800 acres of land in Bird township, Macoupin County, becoming one
of the county's most prosperous farmers and stock dealers. He was united in
marriage with Mrs. Eliza (Adams) Peebles, who by her union with Mr. Peebles,
had one son, Horatio Peebles. She died in 1879, aged 54 years and was
survived by her husband and the following children: Preston W.; Charles E.;
Harriet (Solomon); Manford H.; William S.; Cythia (Sells); Loretta (Wills);
J. P.; and Manning M., subject of this biography. John Kessinger, the
father. died in December, 1890, aged 67 years. He was a member of the
Masonic, order, a loyal Democrat in politics, and held a number of township
offices at different times, taking a deep interest in the affairs of the
county.
Manning M. Kessinger was educated in the common schools of
Macoupin County and attended Blackburn University at Carlinville. Soon after
completing his studies he taught school until 1898 when he was elected to
the office of county superintendent of schools of Macoupin County. He was
elected by a majority of 54 votes and served out the term in most creditable
style. He was recognized as the man for the office and was the unanimous
choice of his party for a nomination for a second term; in the election
which followed he was re-elected by a handsome majority of 441 votes. He is
the first county superintendent of schools in the history of the county to
succeed himself by a re-election to that office. He is well qualified for
the office and has given it his best efforts, gaining the hearty support and
cooperation of all citizens.
In July, 1891, Mr. Kessinger was joined
in marriage with Elizabeth Edwards, a daughter of Charles M. Edwards of
Scottville, Macoupin County, and they have one child, Mary Lazell. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Kessinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 32-33.
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