It has often been demonstrated that the person gains a valuable
experience who early in life is made acquainted with responsibility. The
truth of this statement is exemplified in the life of Henry A. Killam, now
one of the highly respected citizens of Macoupin county. Owing to the death
of his father he was obliged to assume charge of the home farm when he was
ten years of age, and he has ever since been actively and successfully
engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. He was born in Carlinville
township November 20, 1868, a son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Lee) Killam. The
parents were both natives of Morgan county, Illinois, and were of English
descent. The father was reared as a farmer and, after arriving at maturity,
purchased seventy-one acres in Carlinville township, Macoupin county, and
twenty acres in Palmyra township. He was an industrious man and applied
himself with good judgment to the cultivation of his farm, acquiring a
reputation as one of the progressive men of the township. Lie was killed in
1871 by a stroke of lightning, which destroyed his horses at the same time.
Henry A. Killam received limited advantages of education as his
services were needed in the support of his mother and three sisters. He took
charge of the home place and as the other heirs reached maturity he
purchased their interest in the estate and has continued to reside on the
farm upon which he was born. The mother made her home there until her death,
which occurred November 1, 1892.
He has greatly improved the place
by the erection of buildings and fences, the setting out of fruit and shade
and ornamental trees, and the proper rotation of crops, making it one of the
most pleasing features in the landscape of this region. Since 1894 he has
made a specialty of raising Poland China hogs and usually markets each year
about one hundred and fifty head. He is widely known as one of the most
successful hog breeders of the county. He keeps seven head of horses, and
also raises cattle and engages extensively in the poultry business. His
record shows what can be accomplished by persistent energy backed by courage
and clear judgment.
On the 22d of June, 1892, Mr. Killam was married
to Miss Nana Vaughn, a daughter of James and Mary (Moore) Vaughn, the former
of whom was born in Tennessee and the latter in Macoupin county, Illinois.
Mr. Vaughn came to this county at the age of thirteen years and learned the
mason’s trade at which he worked for several years. He then turned his
attention to farming, which he followed successfully until 1892, when he
moved to Carlinville and purchased the home in which he and his wife are now
living. Since taking up his residence in town he has resumed the trade which
he learned many years ago and, although he has reached the advanced age of
seventy-nine years, he is still working at the mason’s trade. Four children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Killam: Ollie May, who is eighteen years of
age; Truman Henry, aged sixteen; Dorothy Irene, aged thirteen; and James
Oliver, aged eleven.
Mr. Killam is a friend of the public schools,
which he regards as the bulwark of the nation, and is now serving as a
member of the school board. From the time of reaching manhood he has voted
in support of the republican party but not through expectation of being a
candidate for office, as his interest is centered in his business affairs
which are in a highly flourishing condition. He attends the Baptist church,
of which his wife also is a member.
Extracted 18 May 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 86-87.
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