Biography of Dr. John P. Binney

Dr. John P. Binney, who is now living a retired life, resides on a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Staunton Township. He is of English birth and a native of Sheffield, Yorkshire, where he was born on the 3d of July, 1819. His parents were also Yorkshire people. At the early age of fifteen years, he entered upon the study of medicine and surgery in Lancaster, England, under Dr. William Prescott, with whom he remained until his emigration to America in the year 1842.

Hearing very favorable reports of this country and the advantages it afforded young men, Dr. Binney determined to such a home across the waters and in the month of December of the year previously mentioned, sailed from Liverpool, in one of the vessels of the North Sea line, which was commanded by Capt. Wynn. After a long tedious voyage of nine weeks, anchor was dropped in the harbor of New Orleans and the Doctor made his may up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, proceeding to Macoupin County the same year. Here he has resided continuously since and from the beginning has been numbered among the prominent and leading men in the county.

Soon after his arrival Dr. Binney embarked in the practice of medicine and his skill and ability at once won him an excellent practice and be was ranked high by his professional brethren. His patronage came from all over the country for miles around and he successfully and profitably engaged in the prosecution of his chosen profession until 1888, when he retired to private life. He also devoted a part of his time and attention to farming, and in this branch of his business also met with prosperity. His home farm now comprises a quarter section of valuable land, upon which are substantial buildings and many excellent improvements. His residence is one of the finest and largest brick dwellings in the county and everything about the place is in keeping with his home. lie also owns eight improved lots in New Douglas, Ill.

In Madison County, Dr. Binney led to the marriage altar Miss Martha L. Martin, one of the fair slaughters of that county, where her parents, David and Martha Martin, were early settlers. They came to Illinois from Kentucky in a very early day and located in Madison County, where they improved a farm upon which they spent the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Binney received good educational advantages for that day and is an intelligent and cultured lady who has won many friends. She remained under the parental roof until she gave her hand in marriage to the Doctor, to whom she has proved a true helpmate. They have traveled life’s journey together for mote than forty years, laboring for their mutual good and their lives have been blessed in many ways. The greatest adversity which has come upon them is the loss of their three children, John, Thomas and Bessie, all of whom died in childhood. In political sentiment, the Doctor is a Republican, but his business duties in former years were no manifold that he could not, if he haul desired, take an active part in political affairs. He and his wife are numbered among the most highly esteemed citizens of the county, where for almost half a century they have made their home, and the confidence and good ‘ wishes of the community are accorded them. In connection with this brief biographical review the reader will notice a lithographic portrait of Dr. Binney, whose lineaments will be thus perpetuated for coming generations.

Source: Chapman bros. Portrait and biographical record of Macoupin county, Illinois. Chicago: Biographical publishing company, 1891.

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