Frank B. Vennum
SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: HORN, MARSH, SHERMAN, VENNUM
FRANK B. VENNUM, a Native of the Prairie State, is one of the most enterprising business men in the town of Fisher, being now the banker of the community, and identified with its most important interests. His birth took place in Iroquois County, Oct. 12, 1853, at Milford, and his parents were Christopher C. and Mahala (HORN) VENNUM, both natives of Washington County, Pa., where they lived several years after their marriage, and whence they removed to this State about 1833. The father was a farmer by occupation, and pursued his calling until his decease, which occurred at Onarga, Iroquois County, in about 1868. The mother still survives, and is a resident of Fisher.
Our subject was the third of three sons and two daughters comprising the parental household, and received a good education, first by attending the common schools and afterward at the Grand Prairie Seminary in Onarga, where he took a three years' course and graduated in the English branches. Afterward he learned telegraphy, and operated the wires at different points for two years following, then, desiring a more active life, engaged first as a grain dealer at Belleflower [sic] for about one year, then took up merchandising in connection with the grain trade, and selling out five years later came to Fisher, and after a brief time occupied in merchandising as before, in which he was quite successful, abandoned this for banking. In seeking a safe deposit for his surplus cash he considered that nothing would be safer than land, and accordingly has invested considerably in real estate, including 400 acres in Champaign County and some of the most valuable property in the village.
The marriage of Mr. Vennum took place in Belleflower Township, McLean County, Nov. 25, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah A. MARSH, who was born in Fulton County, this State, and is the daughter of L. B. and Abbie (SHERMAN) MARSH, natives of New York State. Mr. Marsh spent his last days in Fisher, dying at the home of his son-in-law in 1886. The mother still survives, and is a resident of Fisher. The additions to the household of our subject are a son and daughter, Earnest M. and Vinnie V. Mr. Vennum votes for the support of Republican principles, and with his wife belongs to the Christian Church.