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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Atlas Map of Fulton County, Illinois, 
Andreas, Lyter, and Co., Davenport, Iowa. 1871
(page 39)

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John W. Ingersoll was born in 1811, in Tully, New York. His father moved to Ithaca, Tompkins county, New York, in 1818. Was educated at the Ithaca Academy in civil engineering. Was employed by the New York and Erie railroad company under Charles Elliott, who distinguished himself during the late war as the constructor of rams, and built the first one ever built. 
    
Mr. Ingersoll emigrated to Illinois in 1837, under an engagement of the state on public improvements. Was sent to La Salle to conduct the exploration of the Illinois Central south from that point. Was soon after assigned to duty on the Peoria & Warsaw railway, with headquarters at Canton. Remained in charge of that work until the fall of 1839, when he resigned the position. In the same fall he began the dry goods business with his brother, H. F., and continued up to 1864, since which time he has been in business for himself, doing the most thriving business in the county. Mr. I. has always taken an active part in the politics of his county as a whig and republican, never aspiring to political favors; but has served his neighbors and, friends in the various local offices of his town and city. Is at present president of the board of education; also, president of the trustees of Canton cemetery.