FRANCIS H. VENNUM, farmer and stock dealer, Section 7, P. O. Coffeyville, was born near Athens, Ohio , February 20, 1839. From 1841 to 1861 he lived in Iroquois County, Ill. In June of the latter year he was mustered into the United States service, having enlisted several months before that date in Company F, Twenty-Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga and other minor engagements. After three years' and four months' service he was mustered out. Returning to Iroquois County, Ill., he remained there till the fall of 1869, when he came to Fort Scott, Kas., living there until February, 1870, when he located at Parker and engaged in livery business, in which he continued until February, 1872. He then began buying stock, and since that time he has been extensively engaged in the same business. He shipped the first car load of hogs from Coffeyville after the railroad was completed. He was one of the first settlers of Parker, and was the first Mayor of that city. After the town was abandoned he located his present farm on the town site, having now one of the best improved places in Montgomery. He has been identified with the educational interests of the township, and belongs to the progressive and energetic class of men necessary to every successful community. He is a member of the I. O O F., K of P. and K. of H. He was married at Independence, Iowa, in March, 1865, to Harriet S. Smith, a native of Michigan. They have two children living - Eliza Jane and Robert J. Lost one son - Albert J., who died when a little over two years of age.
*Birth & Death Place, Parents & Nick Name per Lorena (#46917011 08/03/2018

South Kansas Tribune
Independence, KS
Wednesday, September 29, 1920
Page 4, Column 2

Frank Vennum, one of the oldest pioneers of the county, died on Sunday morning, at his home in Coffeyville, aged 81 years. He was a soldier of Company A, 25th Illinois Volunteers, and settled in old Parker, southeast of Coffeyville in 1869, and one of the few remaining settlers of that thriving city, and was known as a stand-pat Republican and took part in every campaign. He leaves a wife and two children, Mrs. L. D. Winters, and Robert J. Vennum of Coffeyville. Thus one by one the pioneers of fifty years ago are passing on to their reward.

Contributor: Lorena 08/04/2018