Bennett M. Posey, who is a prosperous farmer of Clinton County, is the owner of one of the most valuable estates of Lake Township. His farm comprises six hundred acres adjoining Posey Station and here, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he is passing his declining years. He is so vigorous that a stranger would not suspect his age to be seventy-six; such, however, is the case, for he was born on the 2d of May, 1818. For the past twenty-eight years he has been a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both by his eloquent exhortations and upright life honors the religion which he professes.

The father of our subject, Chesley POSEY, was born in the state of Georgia January 7, 1789, and died October 5, 1818, when in the prime of manhood. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he also worked at the trade of a carpenter and builder. On the 10th of December, 1810, he settled in St. Clair County, Ill., and there remained until his death, eight years later. Though not a member of any religious organization he lived an upright, moral life and had the respect of all who knew him. His wife, whose maiden name was Hattie MADDUX, was born in the state of Delaware in 1788 and survived her husband for many years, passing away October 1, 1852.

In the parental family there were three sons and two daughter, namely: Bennett M., Jabez, Jubel, Betsy and Mary, all of whom are deceased excepting the subject of this sketch. Jabez and Jubel were soldiers in the Mexican War, the former being Corporal of Company A, Sixth Illinois Infantry, and the latter enlisting as a private in the same company. Both died while en route to the war in 1847. Jubel left a wife and children now living in Missouri.

The boyhood years of our subject were passed with his mother in Clinton County, and as he was the youngest child and the others left home to commence in life for themselves, it was his duty to remain and care for his widowed mother. As may be imagined his education was limited to a brief attendance in the common schools, three months altogether, but through self-culture he became well informed. His life occupation has been that of agriculture, a calling for which he is admirably adapted by nature and training. As above stated, he is the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land, which represents the result of his energetic efforts and excellent management.

On the 6th of October, 1842, Mr. Posey was united in marriage with Miss Celia Ann, daughter of Haden and Lesea WATTS. They have reared a family of three children. The only son, Jabez Hix, was born June 18, 1861, was graduated from McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., in 1883, and died at his home February 19, 1888. He was a young man of considerable ability and was greatly mourned when he died. The elder daughter, Sarah J., married J. W. CROCKER, residing near Posey Station, and they are the parents of two sons and a daughter. The younger daughter, Mary Susanna, became the wife of Rev. William McKendree ELLEGOOD, now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Thebes, Ill.

As a citizen Mr. Posey has ever maintained an interest in matters pertaining to the advancement of his community, and believing that the principles of the Republican party will best enhance the welfare of our country, he invariably votes the ticket of that party. He has never been solicitous for official preferment, but has occupied a number of local positions of trust, including that of County Supervisor, in which capacity he served for some time. In 1880 he was Census Enumerator for Lake Township. He was the first Postmaster at Posey, which office he resigned after having held it for two years and four months.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois, 1894, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, IL

Submitted by: Connie Albers

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