JOHN B. MEIGS, M. D.
Page 671
JOHN B. MEIGS, M. D.
Page 671
|
JOHN B. MEIGS, M. D., since 1856 a practicing physician of Manito, and a leading citizen of this village, was born in Morgan County, Ill., March 30, 1835. His father, William D. Meigs, was born in Logan County, Ky., in February, 1812, and in youth came to Illinois, sojourning for a time in Madison County, and removing thence to Morgan County. Later he settled in Sangamon County, where he conducted the study of law and was admitted to the Bar at Springfield, he came to Manito and here he passed away, March 12, 1877. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John S. Meigs, emigrated from Ireland, his native land, to America, and settling in Kentucky remained there until his death. The mother of our subject was Susan, daughter of William and Sarah Hope, of Knox County, Tenn. She was born in that county, October 8, 1812, and was married in Sangamon County, Ill., in 1835. The union resulted in the birth of eleven children, on whom three are living, John B.; Ruth, who is married and lives in Peoria, Ill., and Mrs. Josephine Freeman, of Chicago. As a boy our subject was recognized as the possessor of more than ordinary ability, and although it was not his privilege to attend school regularly, he studied at home and easily kept up with the school children in his studies. When but fifteen he began the study of medicine, and at the age of twenty commenced the practice of the profession at Woodburn, Ill., where he remained one year. The year 1856 witnessed his advent into Manito, where he has since conducted a large practice. During the late war the Doctor was examined for an appointment in the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, but failed to receive the commission, which was forwarded to another regiment. However, at the request of his comrades, he remained with them as Assistant Surgeon. At the close of the war he was discharged, July 1, 1865, and returning to Manito, resumed the practice of medicine here. A Baptist in religious belief, he has served as an Elder, and since the age of twenty has preached the Gospel whenever an opportunity was presented. October 19, 1856, Dr. Meigs married Miss Zelinda J., daughter of John W. Stevens, a cabinet-maker of Mt. Sterling, Ky. Nine children were born to them, of whom seven are living, namely: John W., who was born in April, 1860, and is a resident of Pekin; Abner Y., whose birth occurred in August, 1864, and who now lives in St. Louis ; Nellie, born in August, 1867, who is married and resides in Manito; Fannie (twin of Nellie), who is married and makes her home in Manito; Hosmer R., born in 1871; James S., in 1874, and Cornelia, in 1878. Mrs. Meigs is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The principles of the Prohibition party are supported by Dr. Meigs. In earlier life he held a number of local offices and has kept himself intelligently posted upon the important issues of the age. Formerly he owned property near Manito, but this he sold, investing in western lands, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres in Arkansas. |