ALEXANDER S. JESSUP P. O. Mount Erie, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, on March 28, 1838, and was a son of Rev. Robert and Anna (Sturgeon) Jessup. The father was a minister in the Methodist Church, as was also Alexander Sturgeon, the mother's father.
Subject was the third of five children, of whom three, are now living—
When the latter was seven years of age, his parents emigrated to this country, and settled in New York City. There the father preached and practiced medicine for a number of years. In 1857, he came to Wayne County, Ill., and settled in Mount Erie Township, near where subject now resides. He had farming carried on but gave most of his own time to practicing medicine, and to preaching. Among the charges which he filled in this county were those of the Lewisville Circuit, and Mount Erie Circuit. Owing to his advanced age, he was, however, finally compelled to give up preaching. He died on October 31, 1867. He was a man of rare qualities, and was universally respected and admired. One of his last officia; duties as a minister was to serve a year as financial agent of the McKendree College. The mother's demise occurred on March 25, 1871.
Subject's education was received in the New York Free Academy. In 1856, he came to this county, and took charge of the farm which had been previously purchased by his father, and there remained until the latter's death. He then commenced to farm for himself; and now owns 200 acres situated in Sections 30 and 31, of Township 1 north, Range 9 east. Of that there are about 140 acres in cultivation, and has about two and one-half acres in orchard. He also handles considerable stock.
Mr. Jessup was married on March 4, 1868, to Miss Isabella Best, a daughter of George and Eliza Best, natives of Ohio. They came to this county in 1858, and settled in Mount Erie Township. Three children blessed this union, Iwo of whom are now living— Samuel and George (twins), born November 4, 1868.
This lady died in April, 1870, and he was married on August 24, 1871, to Miss Sarah Jane Williams, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Reed) Williams, natives of this State. This lady was born in Elm Township, on December 19, 1851, and is the mother of four children, two of whom are now living—Mary Lizzie, born May 9, 1872 ; Anna May, born January 1, 1874.
Mr. Jessup en-listed on October 5, 1861, in Company M, of the Fifth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served until October 28, 1865. Among the battles which he participated in were the battles of Cotton Plant, siege of Vicksburg, Mechanicsburg, Woodville, Egypt Station and others. He entered as private ; was promoted to Captaincy of Company M, on September 16, 1862, and on August 8, 1865, was commissioned Major. He served on the General's staff as Assistant Inspector, from April, 1864, until March, 1865. He was next appointed as Ordnance Officer of the District of West Tennessee, with headquarters at Memphis.
Subject has held the office of County Surveyor for eight years ; also as Township Assessor. Is a member of McKendree Chapel of Mount Erie Township. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party.
| Visit Our Neighbors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | Clay | Richland | |
| Jefferson |
 |
Edwards | |
| Franklin | Hamilton | White | |
