In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1910) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1833
From General history of Macon County, Missouri (1910), History of Randolph and Macon counties, Missouri (1884)
JOHN M. KETCHAM
(Farmer and Stock-raiser).
Mr. K. was born in Allegheny county, Pa., December 28, 1833. His parents, Joel Ketcham and Elizabeth Menown, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and Mr. K. was a man of prominence. He owned a large quantity of land, and amassed quite a fortune. He died in his native State in 1867. In the spring of 1866.J. M., who until that year had lived in Pennsylvania, moved to Macon county, Mo., and bought an improved place of 262 acres, on which he lived until 1880, then moving to his present farm about three miles distant. In his home place Mr. Ketcham has 160 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, a large and tasteful residence and all other necessary buildings, and also an unusually fine orchard. He still owns the old place, which occupies 80 acres of timber and the balance fenced and in cultivation. Mr. K. makes a business of raising and dealing in sheep. He owns some fine Spanish Merino and good graded Cotswold, and has a flock that averages about 325 head. Mr. K. was married October 6. 1869, in Macon county, to Miss Bell A., daughter of Reuben Dunnington, and sister of Dr. Dunnington, of Atlanta. There are four children in the family: Ula Franklin, Wilmer Harvey, Clarence Nason and Ora Belle. In 1882, Mr. Ketcham was the Republican candidate for county judge. He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. K. is a ruling elder.
As printed in History of Randolph and Macon counties, Missouri (1884). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
JOHN M. KETCHAM.
John M. Ketcham of Lyda township, Macon county, who is the owner of the celebrated Lakeview farm of 620 acres, which overlook Love lake in that township, is a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on December 28, 1833. His parents, Joel and Elizabeth (Manon) Ketcham, were also born and reared in that state, the paternal grandparents moving into it from New Jeisoy. The father was a farmer and surveyor and a man of consequence where he lived, his work in surveying land living of great servip, to the people and highly appreciated by them. He died in 1874 and his widow in 1882. Thev had nine children of whom those now living are: Benjamin, a resident of Iowa; Jolm M., the subject of this sketch; and William, whose home is in the state of Montana.
John M. Ketcham secured his education in the district schools of his native county, and. after leaving school, farmer there until 1866, when he came to Missouri. On his arrival in this state he took up his residence in Macon county, locating in Lyda township, where he now lives. He continued in this county the occupation he had begun in Pennsylvania, and prospered from the beginning of his undertaking here. He is now possessed of one of the most valuable and desirable farms in Lyda township, which has many advantages in the nature and productiveness of the soil, the range of its fertility and its beautiful location. It is on the border of the picturesque Love lake, and presents a commanding view of the beauties of that inviting inland mirror, which reflects from its clear and sparkling surface all the changes of the sky above it and the varied attractions of its shores. The farm comprises 620 acres and is known far and wide as Lakeview farm, as has been stated. It is highly improved, well cultivated and kept in the most attractive condition at all times. Here Mr. Ketcham farms extensively and profitably and also carries on a flourishingindustry in raising stock. His stock industry is general, but he makes a specialty of Chester white hogs, raising them in large numbers and giving every possible care to the work at every stage, thus preparing for the market the best product attainable to skill and favorable circumstances. His output is well known in all the markets of trade in live stock, and stands in the front rank everywhere.
It is inevitable that a man of Mr. Ketcham 's enterprise and progressiveness should be deeplyand intelligently interested in public affairs and should do all in his power to aid in promoting the improvement of the region in which he lives. He has shown this spirit and activity in many effective ways, and has been of great service. to the township and county in doing it. He served as a member of the school board four years and in 1884 was his party's candidate for the office of county judge. But being a Rei)publican, he made a hopeless race from the beginning of the campaign, as it was impossible for any man, under ordinary circumstances, to overcome the large Democratic preponderance in the county. He is devoted to the welfare of his party and one of its most energetic and effective workers at all times. In church relations he is a Methodist.
In 1869 Mr. Ketcham was united in marriage with Miss Belle Dunnington, whose parents came from Tennessee to Macon county and located in Lyda township, where she was born. Of the five children all are living, Ula F., AVilmer H., Clarence, Eolla Benjamin and Ora, the wife of P. Thompson, a merchant in Kirksville. The various members of the family stand well in the communities in which they live, and are recognized, wherever they are known as most estimable and worthy citizens.
As printed in General history of Macon County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: Reuben Dunnington (b. 1810)
The printed record stops around 1910. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.