One of the leading business men of Mount Vernon and an honorable representative of the old and well known family whose history is briefly outlined in the sketch of Christopher D. Ham; is a native of Jefferson county, and the son of Christopher D. and Helena (Grant) Ham.

He was born May 23, 1874, in the city where he still resides, received his intellectual discipline in the schools of the same and at the early age of seventeen years began his business career by entering his fathers bank, where he acquired a practical knowledge of financial matters and in due time became one of the institution's ablest and most trusted employes.

He has never taken upon himself the duties and responsibilities of matrimony, notwithstanding which he makes the most of life and its opportunities, encourages all legitimate means for the advance ment of the community along social, intellectual and moral lines and spares no reasonable efforts to benefit his fellow men and make the world better by his presence. With his mother he occupies the family residence known as Grant Place. 

Mr. Ham is a Mason of high degree, belonging to Blue Lodge, No. 31, Chapter No. 16, and Commandery No. 69, Mount Vernon He is also identified with the Jefferson Lodge, No. 121, Knights of Pythias, and Lodge 819, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in all of which he has held important official positions from time to time.

In matters religious he subscribes to the Methodist faith, and with his mother belongs to the church in Mount Vernon, being interested in the various lines of work under the auspices of the same.

SOURCE: History of Jefferson County, IL
By John A. Wall 1909

Submitted by: Misty Flannigan 
Oct 2002