BIOGRAPHY - ALBERT ABSHER
Dr. Albert A. Absher, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Sibley, was born at Emma, White county, Illinois, February 5, 1869. His father, Samuel Absher, was a native of Kentucky and in early manhood came to Illinois, settling in White county, where he engaged in farming. After living there for some years he became actively interested in politics and was recognized as one of the local leaders of his party. He was first elected to the office of justice of the peace, wherein he served for many years, his fair and impartial decisions winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people. He was later elected associate judge and served in that judicial capacity for many years with the same fidelity and trustworthiness that he had displayed in the lesser court. In fact he was holding the office at the time of his death, which occurred August 2, 1868.
His wife bore the maiden name of Amelia J. Tanquaury, and unto them were born three children: Ida, the wife of Henry Shook, of Bellmont, Illinois; George S., also of Bellmont; and Albert A., whose name introduces this record. After losing her first husband Mrs. Absher was married in 1873 to Benjamin Finn, who died in 1886. Mrs. Finn now resides in Bellmont, Wabash county, Illinois, at the age of seventy years.
Albert A. Absher was a student in the Bellmont public schools and at the age of sixteen entered the State Normal School at Carbondale, Illinois, where he remained for a year. For two years he engaged in teaching in southern Illinois and at the age of nineteen entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago, which is the medical department of the Illinois University. He was graduated therefrom at the age of twenty-three, and, locating at Sibley, has since practiced his profession here. He was one of ten who were on the roll of honor and at the graduating exercises was a member of the executive committee. He was also of the twelve men who during his entire college course was never marked down or "plucked," as college boys term it during the entire four years. Since his graduation he has kept in touch with the onward march of the profession and through reading and investigation has constantly broadened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency. That he has the confidence of the general public is indicated by the liberal patronage which is accorded him. In addition to his professional interests Dr. Absher was one of the organizers of the Sibley Telephone Company and has served as its only president.
On the 22d of August, 1891, Dr. Absher was married to Miss Lenora Helmick, a daughter of Frank and Annett (Foulkes) Helmick, early settlers of McLean county. Mr. and Mrs. Helmick were the parents of six children, as follows: Lenora, now Mrs. Dr. Absher; Ella, the wife of Ernest Holiday; Otto, who is practicing dentistry in Clinton, Illinois; Bessie, the wife of Bert Althouse, a resident of Cerro Gordo, Illinois; Fred, of Bellflower, Illinois; and Helen, also of that city.
Dr. and Mrs. Absher have but one daughter, Genevieve, who was born June 6, 1895. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He has served as a member of the town board of Sibley and is always interested in the welfare of the village, doing much for its progress and improvement. Fraternally he is connected with Sibley Lodge, No. 761, A. F. & A. M.; with Burr Oak Lodge, No. 321, K. P.; with Lookout Camp, No. 1136, M. W. A., of which he is camp physician; and with Liberty Camp. No. 278, of the Royal Neighbors. In professional lines he is connected with McLean County Medical Association, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He adheres to a high standard of professional ethics and enjoys in large measure the confidence and good will of his professional brethren as well as of the general public.
Extracted 16 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 2, pages 641-643.
