Springfield-Greene
County LibraryTHOMAS W. KERSEY. It matters little what vocation a man selects as his life occupation so long as it is an honorable one. If he is an honest, upright man, courteous in his intercourse with his fellow men and possessed of the average amount of energy and sagacity, he is bound to make his business a financial success. Because the subject of this sketch is the possessor of all the above mentioned requirements, is the chief reason that be has succeeded; because he is far above the average in point of intellect, is the reason he to-day stands among the brightest legal lights of Springfield. Thomas W. Kersey, son of Benjamin and Amanda (Van Gilder) Kersey, was born near Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, June 28, 1851, and is the elder of two children. His sister Minnie is now Mrs. Druley of Springfield. The father of our subject was a native of the Buckeye State but moved to Springfield in 1874 and was some time a merchant. The Kersey family came originally from Ireland, a country that our people have heard more or less of, a land that seems to be a breeding place for the production of the brain, the energy and muscle that move the rest of the world. The first branch of this family tree took root in America about the year 1800, in North Carolina. The grandfather of our subject was born in that State but when grown went to Delaware, thence to Ohio and from there to Illinois, where he settled in 1833. His son, father of our subject, is now a resident of Springfield and a most worthy citizen. His wife died February 3, 1892, at Springfield. The original of this notice passed his youth and boyhood in Knox County, Ill., and attended the State Normal University, also the Eureka college. In 1872 be began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in Illinois. Two years later he came to Springfield and opened a law office. Previous to the time be began practicing, Mr. Kersey taught school, but later he entered actively upon his practice and continued it alone for some time. From July, 1875, until 1878 he was in partnership with W. D. Hubbard and was also in company with R. A. Druley for three years. The balance of the time he has been by himself. He has practiced all branches of the law and has met with unusual success. A clear thinker and a sound reasoner, he is accurate in his judgment and prompt to act upon it. He has now practiced for nearly twenty years and has had some very important cases. Socially he is a member of Solomon Lodge, 271, Springfield, A. F. & A. M. and is a Master Mason. In politics he is a Democrat and has ever been interested in the welfare of his party. He was married to Miss Lizzie Powell, daughter of A. H. Powell, and three children have been given them: Clara, Mary and BuElla. Mr. Kersey has a handsome home at 433 South Main Street, and is one of the prominent men of the city.
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