JOHN L. KESINGER, living on section 8, Rubicon township, is a practical, energetic farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in Wrights township, this county, January 4, 1858, and is a representative of an old Kentucky family. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Kesinger, was a native of Kentucky and in 1844 came with his family to Illinois, settling in Greene county among its pioneer residents. His son, William Kesinger, father of our subject, was born in Hart county, Kentucky, in 1830, and was therefore a lad of fourteen years when the family removed to Illinois. He was reared in Greene county, assisting in the arduous task of developing a new farm and sharing with the family in all the hardships and trials as well as the pleasures of pioneer life. When he had attained a majority he began farming and stock-raising on his own account and for many years lived in Wrights township, being one of its respected agriculturists. He married Cassandra Davidson, a native of Greene county, and his death occurred July 8, 1904, while his wife passed away in July 1903.

John L. Kesinger was reared upon the old home farm in Greene county and obtained his education in the schools of Wrightsville. He received practical training in agricultural work under the direction of his father and with him remained until he had attained his majority. After his marriage he located on the home place and continued to farm there for several years. About 1887 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he now resides, and taking up his abode thereon has since given his attention to its further improvement. He built a good neat residence, which is surrounded by a well kept lawn inclosed within a good fence. There are ample outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and good modern machinery is used in cultivating the fields. Mr. Kesinger has likewise planted an orchard and, in fact, all the modern equipments of a model farm are found upon his place. He bought seventy0seven and a half acres adjoining his farm and also a tract of forty acres devoted to pasture lands and covered with timber in Wrights township. He annually harvests good crops and at the same time he raises, feeds and fattens stock, shipping about two carloads of steers each year, together with a number of hogs. His business affairs have been capably conducted and in no transaction has he been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men, but is always straightforward and honorable.

In 1878 Mr. Kesinger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bethard, a native of Greene county, born near Wrightsville and a daughter of J. C. Bethard, formerly of Marion county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Kesinger have four children: Lula, James William, Troy and Lynne.

Mr. Kesinger, whose worth and capability have been recognized by his fellow townsmen, has been called to several local positions. He was elected and served for three years as highway commissioner and for one year as township collector. He has always been a stanch Democrat since casting his first presidential ballot for Grover Cleveland and he has been a delegate to the county and state conventions. He and his wife belong to Hickory Grove Baptist church and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp. His life has been well spent in honorable labor, and a genial manner and sterling worth have gained for him the good will and friendship of many with whom he has been associated.