Josiah H. MANNEN, one of the best known men of the southwest part of Jefferson County, died this morning at his home in Waltonville. Mr. MANNEN's age was 86 years. He was a son of Sidney S. and Eliza A. (WALTON) MANNEN and was born in Bracken County, KY. The family came to Illinois in 1841. Mr. MANNEN was the second oldest of nine children. The father after locating in Illinois became an extensive dealer in stock and farmed extensively.

Josiah H. MANNEN was three times married, two wives preceding him in death. He was married to his last wife about 16 years ago, and she with one son, Josiah, aged 14, survives. Before marriage Mrs. MANNEN was Miss Cora SADLER. The first wife was a LEE and the second, a McNAIL.

Other Children Survive: Children by Mr. MANNEN's first marriage were Hardy MANNEN, Ray MANNEN, Sebern MANNEN, Mrs. Will WALKER, Mrs. John ROSENBERGER, and Jerome MANNEN. Mrs. Anna LONG is a child of the second marriage. All of the children mentioned are living in Jefferson County.

Leaves Brother and Sister: One brother, Jerome MANNEN lives in Mt. Vernon and one sister, Mrs. Aaron WEBB, in Franklin County.

Very Successful Career: As a farmer and stock buyer and as a business man, Mr. MANNEN was one of the most successful men in the history of Jefferson County, and when "land was land" and its ownership much more to be desired than in recent years, he at one time, is said to have been the biggest land owner in Jefferson County. Mr. MANNEN never done anything on a small scale, and in his farmings and stock business he operated a large scale buying and selling, and when he fed stock, feeding in large number. He often went to other portions of the state of neighboring states in his stock buying days and his reminiscences of the years spent in that business were very interesting when he had leisure to indulge in reminiscences. He was a money maker in very sense of the word, was a capable business man and his judgment on the problems that arise in every day life was highly respected by those who knew him best.

Retired Years Ago: Mr. MANNEN retired from active life several years ago, distributing many hundreds of acres of land among his children. His was such a nature, however, that he could not long remain inactive, and so, although at the age most men are to absolute retirement, he continued to deal in stock to a greater or less extent, and bought land aggregating about 300 acres. He will long be remembered as a successful farmer and stock dealer in a section proverbial for successful men, many of whom engaged in similar activities.

Had Hundreds of Friends: Mr. MANNEN had many friends not only in Waltonville and in the southwest part of the county, where his life was practically spent, but in Mt. Vernon, where he was know to many business men and others. His friends were not confined to any particular section, however, as he had friends in all parts of Jefferson County and news of his death was received with genuine regret, notwithstanding a ripe old age. Mr. MANNEN was strong in body, considering his years, and his keen mentality was not dimmed by the passing of time, and until the last he was the same "Joe MANNEN" of his younger days and middle life. Mr. MANNEN was a man of unusual attainments in many ways, and of strong individuality. He loved the society of his friends, and was of a social, friendly nature, kind hearted and loyal to the core. He held a number of township offices, and, while taking an active interest in politics, never sought office, devoting his time to business pursuits in which he was engaged.

Be Buried Wednesday: Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 o'clock a.m. in the Baptist Church at Waltonville, conducted by the Rev. D. B. BAKER, and burial will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery. END

Groom - J. H. MANNEN, resided at Waltonville, was a farmer; age next birthday 61, white, caucasian; born Germantown, KY; father Sidney S. MANNEN; mother Lize E. WALTON; marriage #4.

Bride - Miss Cora SADLER, resided Waltonville; age next birhday 29, white, caucasian; born Jefferson County; father Ben SADLER; mother Mollie McKINNEY; first marriage; married at Mt. Vernon in the County of Jefferson and State of Illinois on January 1, 1913; no witnesses listed; married by George E. McCommon (not sure of the spelling of his name), pastor of First M. E. Church; filed on January 29, 1913.

Mt. Vernon, IL Register News - April 11, 1927

Submitted by Mary Zinzilieta