JOHN R. KANE is a worthy representative of the business interests of
Murphysboro, and is an influential and popular citizen in commercial and
social circles. He occupies the positions of Treasurer and manager of the
Jackson County Abstract and Title Guarantee Company, and is its leading
stockholder. Born in Rock Island, Ill., March 31, 1856, he is a son of John
and Lois A. (Willis) Kane, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter a
native of White County, Ill.
The maternal grandfather, James Willis,
was an early settler of Jackson County, and served as Sheriff in an early
day. He took part in the Mexican War, and during the gold excitement went to
California, where he died. The father of our subject was a shoemaker by
trade, but on emigrating to this country, he located in Jackson County,
where he engaged in coal mining. He afterward followed the same pursuit in
Rock Island. Later he removed to Carondelet, Mo., where he carried on coal
mining until his death in 1864. His wife was a faithful member of the
Baptist Church, and passed away in 1877. Their family numbered three
children, two of whom are still living.
John R. Kane, the only son,
was reared in Murphysboro from an early age, and attended the public schools
until his father's death. He was soon afterward thrown upon his own
resources, and began to earn his own livelihood by clerking in a store in
this place. In 1879, when twenty-three years of age, he was appointed Deputy
County Treasurer under Philip Kimmell, and served for one term. In 1882 he
was nominated for the position of County Clerk on the Democratic ticket, and
having been elected, entered upon the duties of the office the following
December. In December, 1886, he was re-elected to that position, serving
altogether eight years. He made a faithful officer and is recognized as a
capable and trustworthy man.
In his business relations Mr. Kane has
been a member of the Big Muddy Lumber Company, with which he was connected
until the spring of 1892, when he went to Boulder, Colo., on account of his
wife's health. He there remained for a year, and was engaged in the feed
business. In the spring of 1893 he returned to his old home, purchased an
interest in the Abstract and Title Guarantee Company, and became its
Treasurer and manager. This company was organized in October, 1892, by two
old businesses being consolidated. The capital stock is $50,000, and they
have a complete abstract of all property in the county. The President is
George W. Hill; Vice-President, J. M. Herbert, and Secretary, W. W. Kimball.
On the 26th of April, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kane
and Miss Maggie Murphy, who was born in De Soto, this county, her father,
Riley Murphy, being one of its early settlers. Two children grace their
union, Charles R. and John H. Socially, Mr. Kane is connected with Amity
Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the encampment, and represented the subordinate in
the Grand Lodge. He has also held some of its offices. In 1878 and 1879 he
served as Township Collector, and was a member of the School Board from 1890
until his removal to Colorado. The best interests of the community have ever
found in him a friend, and his worth and ability are recognized by his many
acquaintances.
Extracted 26 Mar 2020 by Norma Hass from 1894 Biographical Review of Jackson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 632-633.