JOHN KINHART, wagon and carriage manufacturer, Athens; was born in the city of Baltimore, Md., Dec. 6, 1848; at the age of 13, he began the trade of a wagon maker at Bedord, Penn., serving a regular apprenticeship, after which, he came West, looking for a location and visited Pike's Peak, where he followed mining for a time; he then returned to Lawrence, Kan.; in 1860, the drought of Kansas drew many laborers and mechanics out of employment, among whom was Mr. Kinhart; he started East on foot, alone and without money; he came to Illinois and found employment for a time at Jacksonville, thence to Athens, and engaged with Henry Rankin, remaining till August, 1861, when he enlisted in the 28th I.V.I. and went out as Corporal; he was soldier of the late war upward of four years; he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and participated in many of the most severe battles of the war, escaping without injury. After the war, he returned to Athens and began in a small way at his trade, in partnership with J. Waggoner, continuing until 1869, when Mr. Kinhart became sole proprietor gradually enlarging his capacity for manufacturing; in 1871, Thomas Swaringuin bought an interest and continued as a partner until 1873, since which time, Mr. Kinhart has operated upon his own account and, by his mechanical ability, industry and uprightness in dealing, has built up a large trade; he began in the largest wagon and carriage shop in the county; in connection with the shop he runs a blacksmith and general repairing shop and enjoys a flourishing trade. He was married to Miss Sarah Hart, of this county, Aug. 19, 1862; they are the parents of three children - David, born April 12, 1867, died Sept. 18, 1868; Linnie A., born Jan. 11, 1869, and Frank, Aug. 5, 1871.