Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 538 - 541 

JACOB MAHANNAH, in possession of a fine homestead on section 23, in Park Township, and a view of which we take pleasure in presenting in this connection, came overland from Macon County, Ill., in 1871, the journey occupying five or six weeks. From a very small beginning, with little means, and all kinds of embarrassments, he has made his way steadily upward, and is now the owner of 380 acres in one body in Sedgwick County, besides eighty acres in Pratt County. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, keeping a fine herd of 300 head of cattle, a stable of excellent horses for general farm purposes, and in all respects presents the picture of a go-ahead and enterprising man, who is reaping the reward of his early toils and difficulties, and is now surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

            Our subject was born in Washington County, Pa., June 1, 1839, and is the son of Benjamin and Hannah (Ulery) Mahannah, who were also natives of the Keystone State. From there, about 1841, they removed to Knox County, Ohio, and from the Buckeye State a few years later, to Macon County, Ill., where they spent their last years, and died at a ripe old age. Their ten children consisted of seven sons and three daughters, all of whom, with two exceptions, are still living, one brother having been drowned in the Arkansas River in this State, and Stephen, who died in July, 1887.

            Jacob Mahannah, who was the fifth child of his parents, was but a little lad when they removed from his native State to Ohio, and fourteen years of age when they took up their residence in Macon County, Ill. He received but limited school advantages, and early in life became fully acquainted with the various employments of the farm, where he remained until reaching his majority. While a resident of Macon County, Ill., he was married, Oct. 31, 1862, to Miss Sarah J. Hartman, who was a native of Piqua County, Ohio, and born Aug. 22, 1846.

            Mrs. Mahannah is the daughter of Valentine and Mary Hartman, who removed from Ohio to Illinois with their family, and settled in Macon County. After their marriage our subject and his wife commenced housekeeping on rented land in Macon County, Ill., where they continued to live until 1871, and then determining to cross the Mississippi, made their way to this county, as we have already stated. Mr. Mahannah rented land in the northern part of Park Township the first year, and the next, in 1872, purchased a part of his present farm from the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company. He began in a manner commensurate with his means, making it a rule to live within his income, and was careful in his expenditures. The result is what the passing traveler now observes in the beautiful and valuable homestead, which is one of the most noticeable points of attraction in the landscape of Park Township.

            The household of our subject and his wife was brightened by the birth of six children, namely: Benjamin Franklin, Duward B., Chester A., Mary H., Mattie J. and Grace L., none of whom, as yet, have left the home nest. Mr. Mahannah uniformly votes the straight Democratic ticket, and takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the growth and prosperity of his adopted county.

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