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CHARLES F. KANNING. When we learn that a man has engaged in one line of business for over a quarter of a century at the same location, as has Charles F. Kanning, well-known business man of Springfield, we know that he is the possessor of a rare combination of personal qualities which never fail to make for success wherever they are found. It indicates that he is a man of keen discernment, sound judgment, conservative and persevering as well as honest and honorable in all the relations of life.
Mr. Kanning, the well-known meat market man of Boonville street, was born March 19, 1863, in Kentucky. He is of German descent and is a son of Henry and Mary (Kimmell) Kanning, both natives of Germany, from which country they emigrated to the United States when young, and were married in New York City, where they lived for awhile, then came West, finally establishing their home in Kansas. The father of our subject was well educated and was a merchant tailor by trade. The last fifteen years of his life was spent in St. Louis, where he followed his trade. During the Civil war he served in the Union army.
Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred in St. Louis in January, 1909. His widow died on November 27, 1914, at her home in Pittsburg, Kansas. To these parents twelve children were born, namely: Agnes is deceased; Alexander; Fisco is deceased; Henry; Charles F., of this sketch; Mary; William; Clara; Tilly; Otto; Emma, and Bertha.
Charles F. Kanning received a common school education in Kansas. When he reached his majority he came to Springfield and went into the butcher business, starting with practically nothing, but by wise economy and good management he forged ahead and for many years has enjoyed a growing and lucrative trade. He has been in his present location, 527 Boonville street, for a period of twenty-seven years under the firm name of Kanning's Meat Market, which is one of the best known in the city. He carries a large line of everything commonly found in the best meat markets anywhere, and his place is neat and attractive. Promptness and honesty have been his watchwords. He is still active. He has a fine home on Poplar street.
Mr. Kanning was married in St. Louis on December 20, 1887, to Nannie B. Dunbar, who was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, April 5, 1864. She is a daughter of Robert G. and Mary K. (Sevier) Dunbar, both natives of Louisiana, where they grew up, were educated and married. They each represented excellent old Southern families. The father of Mrs. Kanning died at Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, in 1866. His wife was born on June 5, 1844, and her death occurred on July 17, 1887, in Nashville, Tennessee. She received a good education and was talented in music and was a cultured, refined lady in every respect. Her father, George W. Sevier, was born near the city of Nashville, and he died at Port Gibson, Mississippi, about thirty-five years ago. He was a grandson of Governor Sevier of Tennessee. His wife, Sarah Knox, was a first cousin of James K. Polk, President of the United States, also a niece of Mrs. Andrew Jackson and she was reared by President Andrew Jackson and went with him to New Orleans on his first trip down the Mississippi river. John Sevier, great-grandfather of Mrs. Kanning, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in thirty-seven battles of that conflict. By reason of his service in our War of Independence, Mrs. Kanning is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her paternal grandfather, Robert Dunbar, spent his life in the South and died in Louisiana. Her father, Robert G. Dunbar, was an extensive Southern planter, owning a large plantation. He was an Episcopalian. His family consisted, of three children, namely: Nannie B., wife of our subject; Isaac, now deceased, was the eldest of the children; and Robert, who lives in St. Louis, is the youngest.
Mrs. Kanning grew to womanhood in the South, and the careful training and wholesome home influences of her girlhood are still manifest in her general address, for she is a woman of culture, social inclinations and affability, and enjoys the friendship of all who know her. She had the advantages of a good education. When she was a child the family left the South, locating in Mexico, Missouri, but lived there only about two years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kanning one child has been born, Margaret Norvell Kanning, whose birth occurred on June 25, 1893; she was given excellent educational advantages, attending the Springfield high school and Drury College; she is now a successful teacher in the public schools, and is a young lady of much promise.
Politically Mr. Kanning is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; also the Improved Order of Red Men. His wife belongs to the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Maccabees and the Presbyterian church.
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