Untitled Document

John J. Corkill

John J. Corkill, residing on section 25, Galva Township , is a native of the Isle of Man , having been born on that island, Sept. 7, 1851 . He is a son of John and Margaret (Kermode) Corkill, natives of the same island, and where his mother died, aged 42 years, leaving to the care of her husband four children, namely: Mrs. Ellen Lewen, who died in Ford County , this state; Mrs. Margaret Anderson, who also died in Ford County; John J., the subject of this notice: and mary, who died in her 15 th year. The father emigrated to this country in 1866, landing at Portland , Me . , and coming direct to Galva, this county, where he engaged in the occupation of farming. He was again married and is at present residing in Ford County , this State.

John J. Corkill, whose biography we write, was 15 years of age when he emigrated to the United States . After arriving in this county he was occupied for five years in farming, then went into the coal business, in which he was engaged for ten yeas, working a shaft for himself. He was one of a company of three who conducted three shafts near Galva, and finally sold out to the Herdien Coal Company. H met with financial success in that business, and in 1870 purchased 160 acres of land, located on section 25, in Galva Township , on which he located and entered energetically and vigorously upon its improvement and on which he is at present residing, meeting with success in his chosen vocation.

The marriage of Mr. Corkill occurred Jan. 25, 1872 , the lady of his choice being Miss Isabella Lewen, a native of the Isle of Man , where she was born in 1848. She is the daughter of Robert Lewen, and has borne her husband three children,--Pearl Idella, Merrick J., and Ella May.

Politically, Mr. Corkill votes with the Republican party, and both he and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. Corkill is a member of the A. O. U. W., belonging to Bailey Lodge, No. 135, at Galva.

1885 Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry Co., Illinois page 508

Transcribed by Jan Roggy

Illinois Ancestors