John C. Kean, City Attorney of Freeport, was born on a farm near the city of Meadville, in Crawford County, Pa., on the 20th of July, 1821. His father, John Kean, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the city of Philadelphia, where he grew to manhood and married Miss Sarah Mellin. This lady was born on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and was a daughter of Cornelius Mellin, a well-known gentleman in the early days of Pennsylvania.

After marriage John Kean, the father of the subject of this sketch, moved to Jamestown, N. Y., where he settled for a time, and then moved to Crawford County, Pa., which at one time was the home of John Brown, of Harper's Ferry notoriety. In the county the parents of Mr. Kean passed the remainder of their days. They reared a family of seven children, three boys and four girls. John C. was the youngest son and fourth child, and his youth was passed upon his father's farm in Pennsylvania. His early education was begun in the public schools of those days, and when he arrived at the proper age, he attended Allegheny College, at Meadville. After passing through college he took up the study of law, entering the law office of Judge Derickson, where he remained under instructions until he was admitted to the bar on the 8th of April, 1850, at Meadville. In July, 1851, Mr. Kean came to Freeport, Ill., which has been his home since. In the month of August he opened a law office, and began the practice of his profession, and for many years enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He was elected a member of the Board of Alderman in 1858, for the term of two years. In 1862 was elected City Attorney, and has held that office continuously up to the present time, with the exception of two or three short intervals. During his long term of service Mr. Kean has twice revised the city ordinances, once in 1877, and again in 1887. This work was performed with care and hard labor, and reflects much credit upon Mr. Kean's ability in codifying laws. In addition to his duties as City Attorney, Mr. Kean has practiced law regularly, and has retained a large proportion of his former clientage. He is a conscientious and painstaking attorney under all circumstances and on all occasions, putting in his best licks for his clients. He is a strong and forcible advocate, and is particularly effective in his pleadings before a jury.

On the 4th of June, 1857, Mr. Kean was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Ramsey, of Freeport. This lady is a native of Canada East, and came to Stephenson County with her brother when quite a young girl. Mr. and Mrs. R. are the parents of four children, three daughters and one son: Emma J., the wife of P. L. Koscialowski, now a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; Flora M., deceased; John Sheridan and Nellie A., who reside at home.

During his entire life Mr. Kean has been a Democrat, and a strong advocate of the doctrines of that party, with the exception of voting for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and 1864. He has taken an active part in political campaigns, and his voice has often been heard at the huskings in advocacy of Democracy. In the galaxy of the portraits of leading men of Stephenson County presented in this ALBUM may very properly be found the portrait of Mr. Kean.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 755