Madison County KY
Biographical Sketch of John Jarvis
John Jarvis, born on December 25, 1809, in Madison County, Kentucky, led a life marked by multiple relocations and family ties. He married Polly Ray in 1830 and had eight children, two of whom survived. After several moves between Kentucky and Illinois, he settled in Coles County, where his first two wives passed away. In 1868, he married Mary Hedges, with whom he had three children. A hardworking farmer, Jarvis owned substantial land, valuing his private business over public office. He also spent three years in Nebraska before returning to his current estate.
Biographical Sketch of James Rennels
James Rennels, born February 12, 1807, in Madison County, Kentucky, was a pioneer farmer who settled in Coles County, Illinois, in 1832. After marrying Polly Connely in 1825, they established the Rennels Settlement, where he remained throughout his life. He and Polly raised nine children, with only one daughter surviving today. Rennels faced the struggles typical of early settlers but ultimately found comfort in his family as they aged together, leaving a legacy of resilience and community amidst life’s challenges.