D. B. KELL, the efficient and popular Postmaster of Walnut Hill, and one of its leading merchants, has the honor of being a native of Marion County, his birth having occurred in Centralia Township, March 24, 1837. His parents, James and Margaret (Baldridge) Kell, were natives of South Carolina and North Carolina respectively, and in the early history of this community they cast in their lot with its first settlers.
During his boyhood James Kell came hither with his father, Thomas Kell, and here he was reared and married. About 1838 he removed to Jefferson County, where he made his home for some years, and then returned to Walnut Hill, where he embarked in the milling business, continuing the same until 1880.
Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Jefferson County, no event of special importance occurring during that period. In 1857 he was united, in marriage with Miss Christina Copple, and their union has been blessed with a family of nine children, seven of whom are yet living:
Mr. Kell embarked in his present line of business about 1872. He opened a general store, and from the beginning his trade has constantly increased until he now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. He earnestly desires to please his customers, and by his fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment he has won the confidence of the public and built up an excellent business, of which he is well deserving.
In connection with his other interests he is also engaged in fruitgrowing. He has followed this enterprise to a considerable extent for some years and now owns nearly five hundred acres of land in Marion and adjoining counties, the greater part of which is set out in fruit.
His position as Postmaster has continued since 1872.
In his political views Mr. Kell is a stalwart Republican and warmly advocates the principles of his party.
He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He has at all times taken an active part in the advancement of those enterprises which are calculated to benefit the community. For five years he labored faithfully to secure for his town its railroad facilities, and his efforts were finally rewarded. Two roads now form a junction at this place, and the prosperity of Walnut Hill was thereby greatly increased. Mr. Kell may well be numbered among the valued citizens for he is ever found on the side of right and progress, and his name is inseparably connected with the history of this community.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 342
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer
Note from Sandy:
His first name Dornton is found on his marriage record:
Illinois Statewide Marriage Index KELL, DORNTON B COPPLE, CHRISTINA 1857-05-28 C 152 MARION