A valued citizen of Marseilles is the gentleman of whom this sketch is
permed, his residence here dating back almost a score of years. In tracing
his lineage it is found that he comes from honored old New Jersey families,
and that in him are united two quite distinct nationalities, the Scotch and
the Holland-Dutch, both noted for integrity, industry and thrift, for a high
sense of honor and for patriotism and many other of the noblest qualities
which animate mankind.
John Annin, who was born in Scotland, was the founder of the Annin family in
New Jersey. One of his descendants was Jonathan Annin, of Liberty Corner,
Somerset county, New Jersey, and one of the latter's children was Joseph S.,
the father of our subject. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a
merchant by occupation. He married Miss Ellen Schenck. a daughter of
Ferdinand Schenck, of Dutch ancestry. Mr. Schenck was a successful
agriculturist in New Jersey for many years.
William V. S. Annin was born in Millstone, Somerset county, New Jersey,
November 28, 1827, and in his boyhood received a liberal education. He
remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, and in 1849,
during the great gold excitement on the Pacific coast, he sailed for
California, going around Cape Horn. He was not very favorably impressed with
the west nor the prospects of acquiring a fortune, and the following year he
returned to New York city. At New Brunswick, New Jersey, he embarked in a
mercantile business, which occupied his time and attention for twenty years.
In 1870 he concluded to come to Illinois, and, locating in Marseilles, he
soon found employment with the Marseilles Manufacturing Company, having
charge of the store of supplies, bolts, screws, and similar fittings. He
continued to act in this position year after year, winning the approbation
and good will of all associated in business with him, and only his severe
illness caused him to abandon his post of duty, recently.
The substantial brick residence of the Annin family is located on West Bluff
street. The estimable lady who presides over the well-being of the household
was formerly Miss Harriet M. Plummer, her marriage to Mr. Annin being
solemnized in Brooklyn, New York, June 2, 1858. She was born and reared in
that city, and is the only daughter of Roswell and Harriet (Chamberlain)
Plummer, who were natives of Vermont, but who after their marriage lived in
Brooklyn. Seven children blessed the union of our subject and wife, and of
these Roswell P. is now a resident of Los Angeles, California; Harriet M. is
the wife of Howard M. Weirick, of Phoenix, Arizona; Louise E. is the wife of
E. R. Spencer, of Marseilles; William S. is living in Council Bluffs, Iowa;
Mary T. is the wife of Walter Hobart, of Marseilles; and Joseph S. and
Nellie W. are at home. In all of the varied relations of life, whether in
business, society or in the home, Mr. Annin has nobly performed his duties,
and to his children he will leave a record of which they may justly be
proud.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 340-341.
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