Biography - John Mount
JOHN LOGAN MOUNT, a member of one of the oldest families in Johnson County, and one of its native-born sons, is a bright, enthusiastic young teacher, who has already won an enviable reputation in his profession. He was born in Simpson Township, August 29, 1864, and is a son of William W. Mount, who was a noble veteran in the late war, serving in the famous Thirty-first Illinois Regiment, commanded by Gen. John A. Logan.
William Mount was also a native of Simpson Township, born into one of its early pioneer homes. His father, whose name was the same as his own, was born near Petersburgh, Ind., and came thence to Illinois in the early days of the settlement of Johnson County. He selected a tract of Government land in what is now Simpson Township, and erecting a log house, in the wilderness for a shelter, at once commenced to reclaim a farm. He later erected a double log house which is still standing, and subsequently gave the farm to his son Jasper. He then went to live on an adjoining farm, upon which he erected a good set of frame buildings, and resided there until his death. He was a man of much strength of character and native ability, and, though somewhat eccentric, his hospitality and kind-heartedness were proverbial, and no one went hungry from his door or was permitted to suffer if he could afford relief. He had decided opinions on all topics with which he was conversant, and especially concerning polities. His sympathies were with the Whigs, and he early espoused the cause of Abolition.
The father of our subject grew to a vigorous, self-reliant manhood amid the primitive scenes upon which he first opened his eyes, and his education was conducted in the pioneer schools of his native township, which were held in a log house. The rudely made furniture was of the simplest kind, the seats being rough benches fashioned from small logs that were split in two, and one side was hewed comparatively smooth, the seats being without backs or desks in front. He early became a practical farmer with the experience gathered on his father's farm, and at the time of his marriage he left the shelter of the parental roof to make a new home on a tract of land that his father gave him. He devoted himself to the care and improvement of his farm until the war broke out, when he laid aside his own interests to go forth to do battle for his country, enlisting in 1861 in Company D, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, which was under command of Col. John A. Logan, and was one of the most active regiments in the army. Mr. Mount was in the service three years, and his record as a soldier of approved bravery and fidelity was of the best. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment, in 1864, and returning home took up the work that he had laid down, and engaged in farming until his life closed on the 16th of March, 1873. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah J. Grisson. She was born in Grantsburg Township, a daughter of William and Mary Grisson, and is now a resident of Popeco, Ill. She is the mother of eight children.
John Logan Mount, of this biographical review, passed his early life on his father's farm, but he chose rather to enter professional paths instead of making his way in life as a farmer, and after laying the foundation of a liberal education in the district school, he further prepared himself to be a teacher in the Southern Illinois Normal University, at Carbondale. At the age of twenty he began his successful career as a teacher, and is recognized as one of our most talented educators. He has a clear, well-balanced mind, is progressive in his views, and is quick to adopt new methods of teaching where they can be applied to advantage.
Mr. Mount was first married in 1887 to Miss Carrie M., daughter of Harrison and Levnia Ridenhower, and a native of Johnson County. She died April 15, 1888. The second marriage of our subject was solemnized in 1890, when Miss Nannie M. Ellis became his wife. She was born in Pope County, and is a daughter of John and Mary Ellis, pioneers of Pope County. One son has hallowed the union of our subject and his wife.
Mr. Mount is one of the young Republican leaders in this vicinity, and in 1890 was appointed Postmaster at the Simpson office. He possesses tact, courtesy and other pleasant personal qualities that win him friends, and his standing is high among his fellow-members of Delta Lodge No. 772, 1. O. O. F., and Encampment No. 52. He and his wife are closely identified with the religious interests of the community as members of the Presbyterian Church.
Extracted 17 Apr 2016 from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 171-172.
