McDonough ILGenWeb

AGNEW, Oral M.,  who is successfully engaged in the livery business in the village of Industry, McDonough County, was born in Schuyler County, Ill., February 4, 1858, the son of James and Delilah (Hudson) Agnew -- the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Indiana. In early youth, Mr. Agnew attended the common school in his neighborhood, and at the age of seventeen years left home to work on a farm. He continued thus until he reached his majority, then worked at home one year, after which he was employed for six years on a farm north of Industry. After spending a year in Schuyler county, he worked two years in Industry, and then was employed two years on his father's farm. In 1878, Mr. Agnew moved to Industry, and was engaged in various occupations for two years. In 1899, he started in the manufacture of soft drinks but sold out in 1902. In that year he went into horse dealing and trading, in which he continued until August 8, 1904, when he bought the livery business of A. S. Ellis, which he now conducts and which is the only extensive business of this kind in Industry. Mr. Agnew is very energetic, attends closely to hs stable and stock and enjoys a profitable patronage.

On February 14, 1881, Mr. Agnew was united in marriage with Henrietta Lewis, who was born and schooled in Schuyler County, Illinois. She died June 24, 1892, leaving one child, Clinton D. Agnew. Mr. Agnew married as his second wife, Eliza Sullivan, who was born and educated in Industry. The political opinions of Mr. Agnew are in accordance with the principles of the Republican party.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 809. Submitted by Joanne Scobee Morgan morgans4@swbell.net