JOHN SHREFFLER KENNELLY, M. D.
Page 649

JOHN SHREFFLER KENNELLY, M. D., who is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Easton, has the honor of being a native of Illinois, for he was born in Plainfield, Will County, this state, on the 10th of August, 1853. His father, Daniel Kennelly, was born in Pennsylvania in 1811, and came of an old family of that state, His mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Goist, was born in the Keystone State in 1819, and was a daughter of Henry Goist. Her death occurred in 1888, but Mr. Kennelly is still living, his home being in Joliet. Their seven children are all yet living, namely: Henry G., Winfield S., Samuel M., John S., Mrs. Sarah J. Soper, Mrs. Doubbleline Bischman, and Frank C. The eldest son entered the army when sixteen years of age as a member of the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, was made Sergeant, afterwards became Second Lieutenant, and later served as Adjutant on the staff of a general. He was in the service throughout the entire war. We now take up the personal history of Dr. Kennelly, knowing that it will prove of interest to many of our readers. He was reared in his native county, and his early education, acquired in the common schools was supplemented by study in the high school of Plainfield, and in Naperville College. In 1876 he came to Mason County, where he engaged in teaching school. Wishing to enter the medical profession and make its practice his life work, he began studying with Dr. J. W. Downey, of Topeka, Ill. Subsequently he attended a course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and was graduated from that institution in the Class of '80. In June of the same year he opened an office in Easton, and has since been continuously engaged in practice in this place. Dr. Kennelly was united in marriage in June, 1882, with Miss Fannie McReynolds, a daughter of John M. McReynolds, who is living in Quiver Township, Mason County. The lady was born on the 28th of August, 1853, in this county, and was educated in the Female College of Jacksonville, after which she engaged in teaching school for a time. To the Doctor and his wife were born two children, Frank Clair, who was born March 21, 1883; and Fred Herald, who died February 28, 1890, at the age of four years and seven months. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are numbered among the best citizens of this community. Dr. Kennelly is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge of Mason City, and to the Chapter Commandery of Havana. In politics he is a supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party. He has served as President of the School Board, is a member of the Brainard District Medical Society, of which he serves as President in 1883, and also belongs to the State Medical Society. He has often furnished contributions to medical journals, and has several times prepared and read papers before the medical societies. He is now enjoying a good practice, which has been won through his skill and ability, and in the line of his profession in Mason County, he occupies a high position.

1894 Biography Index

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