Rev K.W. Ingram, 1852-1935

 Kenan Wright (K.W.) Ingram

10th Pastor of Herrin FBC

1898-1899

Born: February 8, 1852… Macedonia, Franklin/Hamilton County, IL

Died: December 23, 1935… McLeansboro, Hamilton County, IL

K.W.’s parents arrived in Hamilton County, IL, to clear and farm the land, sometime between 1830 and 1840.  They had 11 known children. Of their 8 sons, 5 of them are known to have served (and survived!) in the Union Army during the Civil War.

In 1871, K.W. married Laura Josephine Upton. They had 6 known children, but only 3 of them survived to adulthood.

At the request of the Union Baptist Church in Hamilton County, IL, a council met and ordained Ingram on April 17, 1881.

He would go on to serve several churches over the years. Some of the ones we know about are...

• Peters Creek Baptist Church, Elizabethtown IL
• Union Baptist Church, Hamilton County IL
• Herrin's Prairie Baptist Church, Herrin IL
• Antioch Baptist Church, Macedonia IL
• Blooming Grove Baptist Church, McCleansboro IL

When Ingram wasn't preaching, he was farming. He lived in Hamilton and Franklin Counties in Illinois, all of his life.

His wife Laura passed away in 1916. He remarried Esther Hays in 1918. She would go on to live until 1941.

Rev. Ingram is buried in Antioch Cemetery, near McCleansboro, IL.

-----------------------------------------------

Obituary for Kenan Wright Ingram, 1935

Son of Sewel and Ella (Sanders) Ingram, born near Macedonia IL, Feb. 8, 1852.  He departed this life Monday morning, Dec. 23, 1935, aged 83 years, 10 months and 15 days.

He was united in marriage with Laura Josephine Upton on July 29, 1871.  This union was blessed with six children, three of whom preceded him in death.  Those surviving are Aaron Algernon Ingram of West Frankfort, Luella Morgan of West Frankfort, and Flaurie Eula May Vaughn of Zeigler.

His first wife preceded him in death in 1916.  He was again united in marriage with Esther Hays in 1918, who survives him.

He professed faith in Christ in early life, and united with the Union Baptist Church.  He was the first candidate baptized by the late Elder J.D. Hooker.  He felt the call to the ministry, and on April 17, 1881, at the request of the Union Church, a Council met and ordained him to the full work of the Gospel ministry.  The Council was composed of Elders Hosea Vise, C.Y. Allen and J.D. Hooker.

He spent 54 years as an able preacher of the Gospel, and in his best days had few equals as a pulpit preacher.  He held pastorates in some of the best churches, including: County Line, Macedonia, Antioch, Liberty, Mt. Zion, Union, Blooming Grove, Delafield, Herrin, Thompsonville, Pinckneyville, Pleasant Grove and others.  He held many evangelistic meetings and baptized about 1500 people.  He also conducted many funerals, and comforted the bereaved.  He was also a member of the Macedonia Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.

Thus we say a useful and busy life has come to a close.  Only eternity can measure the value of such a life of preaching the Gospel of Christ.  

He and his wife were members of the Macedonia Baptist Church, until he was called to the Church on High.  He leaves to mourn his loss… his loving companion, the above named children, 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and a host of friends.

“A precious one from us is gone, a voice we loved is stilled… A place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled.”