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 OHN A. MAJOR, deceased, was born Dec. 28, 1823, in Davis County, Ind. He was the son of Robert D. and Susan (Allan) Major. The father of our subject was a successful farmer living near Cincinnati, where by dint of industry and energy he accumulated a large amount of property. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters. John A. Major was reared on the farm, receiving a common-school education, and obtaining a practical knowledge of farming pursuits. May 8, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. McAdams, daughter of John and Sarah (McCoy) McAdams, who were of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Major was born July 20, 1825, in Jefferson County, Ohio, and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of ten children, only eight of whom are now living. Their record is as follows: Anna, the wife of A. B. Craycroft; William L., Alice, May, John and Jennie (twins); the latter is the wife of George Gibler; Mattie and Grace. In 1854, Mr. Major with his family, three yoke of cattle and two horses, made the long journey from Indiana to Keokuk County, Iowa, where he purchased 160 acres of land near Sigourney. which he improved and cultivated until 1856, when tiring of farm life, he bought property in Sigourney, upon which he built a large hotel, and also dealt in real estate, which investment proved very successful, but in the depression of business which afterward followed, he suffered great financial loss. In 1860 he returned with his family to Indiana. The war then broke out, and he was obliged to dispose of his property at a great sacrifice. He then purchased a small, but pleasant and comfortable home in Indiana, where he resided until 1868. He then came to Illinois, locating upon a farm in Coles County, remaining there until 1871, at which time he removed into the city of Mattoon, where he remained until his death, which occurred April 7, 1875. Mr. Major possessed an upright, Christian character, and for many years was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a faithful attendant of its prayer-meetings and Sabbath-school, endeavoring in every way to advance the cause of Christ. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father and loyal citizen. |
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