SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: GRANT, BROWN, BARRETT

JESSE K. GRANT - This veteran soldier and farmer, was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, March 28th, 1826. His father, John B. GRANT, moved to Crawford county, this state, about two years afterward, and in 1835 to Clarke county. In the latter county Jesse received most of his early training. When the United States declared war against Mexico, the subject of this sketch, then a mere boy, was among the first to enroll his name as a volunteer. Enlisting in the 3d Illinois Regiment, he started for the front the first of June, 1846. Mr. Grant took part in the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo; besides a large number of skirmishes. Receiving his discharge, he returned to Clarke county, and resumed the occupation of farmer; then being but twenty years of age. He was married April 15th, 1852, to Mary BROWN, of Cumberland county. This happy union was to be of short duration. Mrs. Grant died January 7th, 1857. She was the mother of two children, both of whom preceded her to the grave.

At this time Mr. Grant lived in Douglas county, engaged in working in a mill, and when the Rebellion broke out, again offered his services to the government. He was enrolled July 10th, 1861, in the Second Illinois cavalry, and started immediately to the front. Having participated in some of the most obstinate battles of the war, he was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service in 1864, but at once re-enlisted and served to the close of the war. He was married on the 17th of Jan. 1866, to Mrs. Charlotte BARRETT. They moved soon after the marriage to where they now reside. Few men have done more for the defense of the stars and stripes, than the subject of this brief sketch. Mr. Grant having served entirely through two wars, should be permitted to enjoy in peace, the home he has worked so hard to obtain, and fought so valiantly to defend.