Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Kercheval, Francis L 1859 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 4, 2007, 6:35 pm Author: Portrait & Biographical Album, 1890 FRANCIS L. KERCHEVAL. This gentleman is one of the leading young men of New Lenox Township, a position to which his intelligence, business energy and good character fairly entitle him. His father was the late James C. Kercheval, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 10, 1816. His mother was Anna Roundtree, who was born in North Carolina, January 5, 1820. The Roundtree family removed from North Carolina to Indiana about the year 1825, settling near Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, at which place the parents of our subject were married in the year 1841. At that time James C. Kercheval was a resident of New Lenox Township, having come to Will County in the fall of 1830. He was, therefore, one of the very earliest settlers in the county, and as such deserves grateful remembrance for his assistance in the early work of development to which the residents of the county are indebted for their beautiful estates and the many comforts and conveniences which surround them. He brought his bride to this township, making a home on Maple Street, where years of happy wedded life were spent and a useful career pursued by both husband and wife. Mr. Kercheval breathed his last February 6, 1873, after having secured the esteem of those about him. His widow survived until February 7, 1888, when she too entered into rest, leaving behind her a record of good deeds and kind words which affords a pleasing remembrance to all who loved her. The family of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Kercheval included twelve children, two of whom died in infancy. The record of those who lived to grow up is as follows: Mary J. became the wife of Francis Granger and died in New Lenox Township, in October, 1882; Charles E. resides near the city of Joliet; Sarah E. is the wife of H. C. Larsh, of Crawfordsville, Ind.; Martha I. is the wife of Dr. James McCann, of Normal, this State; Annie E. is the widow of Elvis D. Lynk, who died in the village of New Lenox, in July, 1879; Margaret died when twelve years old; Winfield S. lives in Joliet Township; Francis L., of whom we write, and Frances F. are twins; Albert R. lives in Joliet Township. The subject of this sketch was born in New Lenox Township, November 17, 1859, and with the exception of one year that township has been his home during his entire life. He was educated in the township schools and in the city of Joliet, becoming well-versed in practical knowledge and laying the foundation for his present fund of information. He was engaged in mercantile business in the village of New Lenox for two and a half years and was also employed as a clerk there for about two years. With this exception he has fol- lowed farming. The estate on which he lives consists of one hundred acres on section 5, which was the old homestead of his father. The buildings which stand upon it are well built and adequate, the dwelling being especially noticeable for its substantial and comfortable appearance and the taste which is manifested in its surroundings. Various other improvements have been made upon the farm which is conducted according to the most improved methods, Mr. Kercheval showing himself an able agriculturist. The many sterling qualities of Miss Emma F. Lynk won the regard of Mr. Kercheval, who was prospered in his wooing, winning that lady's consent to be his wife. Their marriage rites were celebrated in Joliet, May, 26, 1880, and happiness has followed their union. Mrs. Kercheval is the younger of two children born to Tunis and Lydia A. (Hartshorn) Lynk, the other child having died in infancy. Mr. Tunis Lynk was a native of New York, and his wife, formerly Lydia A. Hartshorn, was born in the State of Vermont. Her mother died in New Lenox Township, January 15, 1877, and her father is now living in Lawtey, Bradford County, Fla. Mrs. Kercheval was born May 18, 1861, in the township which is still her home. She is the mother of two sons—Frank C. and James F. Mr. Kercheval is a member of the Republican party. His townsmen have shown their confidence in his worth of character and good judgment by electing him to the office of Township Assessor, which position he has now held for five years. Mrs. Kercheval is a member of the Episcopal Church, which her husband also attends. Both are popular members of society and well-spoken of on all sides. Additional Comments: Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/kercheva1279nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.1 Kb