Rannells, Charles S.



HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS
& HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY
Munsell Publishing Company, Publishers, 1906.




RANNELLS, CHARLES S., prominent stockman and farmer, Pisgah, Morgan County, Ill., was born where he now resides, on the paternal homestead, December 5, 1857, the son of Samuel M. and Mary R. (Springer) Rannells, the latter, a sister of the late Reuben Springer, the well known philanthrophist, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Rannells' father, Samuel M. Rannells, was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and in 1832 came with his father, William Rannells, to Morgan County, Ill. The latter entered land from the Government and was engaged in farming throughout his life. Samuel, the father of Charles S., was also a successful farmer and an extensive cattle feeder. He died in 1881, his wife having preceded him in 1873.

Charles S. Rannells has made farming and cattle-feeding his life occupation. In his boyhood he attended the local schools, and later (1879) became a graduate of Illinois College, Jacksonville. When his father died he inherited an estate of 400 acres of land, with other property. His landed property now consists of 1,500 acres, and he sends annually to the Chicago market 800 to 1,000 head of cattle and innumerable pigs.

Mr. Rannells was married May 19, 1880, to Cornelia May Stevenson, daughter of Septimus C. Stevenson, residing in the vicinity of Orleans, Morgan County. In 1897 he was appointed by Governor Tanner a member of the Illinois Railroad and Warehouse Commission, holding that position for four years. He also served his party one term as Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, being a member of that organization for three terms. He is a member of the Jacksonville Lodge of Elks, and in religious faith and association, a Presbyterian. His residence and grounds are commodious and handsomely improved, making a most attractive homestead.


1906 Index

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