Transcribed by Larry Fearneyhough

Page 114

After the adoption of the new constitution of Illinois, 1873, to John W. Summers was given the honor of being a member of the first board of county commissioners. The subject of this sketch was born near Russelville, Logan county, Kentucky, August 2, 1825. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Gallatin county, Tennessee; remained there a short time, then pulled up and started for Illinois. In the fall of 1829 they settled in what was then Morgan county, about five miles from where Winchester is now located. He was an energetic boy - so considered - and managed to secure his education by working during the summer in order to earn money with which to pay his parents for his board while he attended school during the winter. This proceedure he followed for several years. He then taught two terms of school at Harts (Sandy precinct). During one of these terms the Mexican war broke out. He left his school and went forth at his country's call, a volunteer, and served faithfully through the whole struggle. He received an honorable discharge (which is still preserved as a memento by the family) came back and finished teaching his term of school.

Mr. Summers thought he would then give his attention to mercantile pursuits and secured an interest with his brother, Joseph, in his business at Winchester. This he held for some time and then secured a partnership in the firm of Summers & Flynn. He was not satisfied with this, however, and in 1854 purchased a farm seven miles southeast of Winchester, and later entered a fraction of land adjoining his farm. Here he lived until his death.

Mr. Summers was a member of Pioneer Lodge, No. 70, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and abided always in the principles of friendship, love and truth. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was honest, correct and fair in his dealings with his fellow man. In political faith Mr. Summers was a democrat and voted and worked with that party. Along in the 70's the county was pretty heavily in debt and there seemed to be but little prospect of relief from the burden. In 1875 Mr. Summers was elected a member of the board of county commissioners. To the payment of the county debt he devoted his energies and forced everything to that end. He served two terms and at the conclusion of his second term the county debt was practically a thing of the past. Mr. Summers was a safe business man and was considered one of the best financiers ever in charge of the county's affairs. He also served as magistrate at Winchester for twelve years.

September 21, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Peek, and twelve children were born to them, ten of whom survive him. April 3, 1887, Mr. Summers was stricken with paralysis, losing the use of his entire right side, also his speech. He communicated his wants to his family by a wave of the left hand or a nod of the head. He died July 26, 1889. It's a strange dispensation of Providence that so afflicted this good man. He was a good man; lived a good life, and is mourned by his family and the public as a useful citizen, an honor to his county.