Will County IL Archives Biographies.....McKenna, Charles A 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 12:35 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

CHARLES A. McKENNA, manager of the Caton stock farm in Plainfield Township, 
has been with Judge J. D. Caton and his son since he was eighteen years of 
age. Beginning in the employ of the judge, he proved himself to be diligent, 
faithful and energetic, and was given increased responsibilities as he grew 
older. Since 1885 he has had the management of the Caton farm of thirteen 
hundred and fifty acres, which is the largest farm in the state that has 
nothing but tillable land. Under preceding managers efforts had been made to 
introduce satisfactory drainage, but all failed. Under his supervision, 
however, tiling was proved to be thoroughly practicable, and one hundred and 
fifty miles of tiling were laid. Water is furnished by an artesian well twenty-
five hundred and fifty feet deep. Since the death of Judge Caton, in July, 
1895, Mr. McKenna has been retained as manager for the judge's son, Arthur J. 
Caton, of Chicago. As the latter visits the place only once or twice a year, 
the entire responsibility of the work lies with the manager, and to him may be 
attributed the fine improvements noticeable on the property, and the fact that 
the farm turns in to the owner a large annual revenue. A portion of the land 
is devoted to the raising of farm products. About twenty-three thousand 
bushels of corn are sold annually, while the oats, averaging twenty-five 
thousand bushels, are used for feed. A specialty is made of stock-raising, in 
which department of agriculture Mr. McKenna has shown unusual judgment and 
intelligence. There are on the place about two hundred and fifty head of 
horses, many of which are fine trotters; also one hundred head of cattle, some 
of these being of the very finest grades; and about four hundred and fifty 
hogs, the specialty being the Poland-China breed. To assist in the management 
of the place, from eighteen to twenty-five men are hired. There are seven 
houses on the farm and sixteen barns, besides other substantial farm 
buildings, and steam engine, thresher, corn sheller, etc. During the harvest 
season six binders are operated. Politically Mr. McKenna has never identified 
himself with any party, but maintains independence in opinions and views. His 
attention has been so closely given to his farm work that he has no leisure 
for official positions, and although twice nominated for the office of 
supervisor, he declined to accept the nominations. Fraternally he is connected 
with the Modern Woodmen of America. By his marriage, in 1885, to Miss Nora 
Dunford, of Ottawa, Ill., he has seven children: William, Anna, John, Laura, 
Catherine, Margaret and Mary.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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