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JESSE A. DEES. There are few men of the present day more successful or more worthy of honorable mention than the subject of this sketch, who is one of the oldest residents of Jefferson County. A record of his life fully illustrates what may be accomplished by determined will and perseverance, for through his own efforts he has risen to a position of wealth and is widely and favorably known throughout the entire county. lie is at present residing on section 28, Blissville Township, where he has over fifteen hundred acres of finely improved land. Mr. Dees was born in South Carolina June 11, 1808, and was sixteen years of age when he came to Jefferson County. In youth he received a very limited education and was a mere lad when he began to work out on farms by the month. He was thus engaged until the spring of 1837, when he purchased eighty acres of land comprised in his present fine estate. He bravely persevered to overcome every obstacle that lay in his pathway and finally achieved success solely by the exercise of his muscle, and it may well be his pride to say that he is self-made. On attaining his majority Mr. Dees married Miss Naomi Hughes, a native of Randolph County, this state, and to them was born one child that died unnamed. Mrs. Dees, who is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a most highly respected lady and moves in the best circles of society in the community. Soon after their marriage our subject and his wife commenced housekeeping in a little log cabin with no floor except the ground, while the roof was made of clapboards. He was a great hunter, and as wild animals were very numerous in that then thinly populated country he killed many a bear, deer, etc. Besides raising the different varieties of cereals, Mr. Dees has given considerable attention to breeding stock and has kept constantly on his place from one hundred to two hundred head of cattle and mules. His estate contains substantial and well appointed buildings, and his home is replete with all the comforts of life. Here he and his good wife expect to pass the remainder of their days enjoying the fruits of their early toil. He is glad to assist in any way in promoting the interests of his township and has done valuable service when holding the various township offices which at different times he has been called upon to fill. Socially, he is a prominent Mason and a member of the lodge at Ashley. In politics he is a strong Democrat.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, IL Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer