A Special "Thank You!" to Sherry Pollard for Transcribing the Goodspeed Biographies!


F. P. KANESTER, merchant of Cleveland, was born in Polk County, May 15, 1852. He is the son of Reuben KANESTER, a native of Virginia, who came to Sevier County, Tenn., at the age of six years, where he grew up and married Paulina HENDERSON, a native of that county. Soon after that they moved to Polk County in 1828. The father was a farmer by occupation. He was a magistrate about seventeen years, besides filling minor offices. In 1886 he died, being seventy-nine years old. The mother still lives at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were eight children, seven living--two sons and five daughters. Mr. KANESTER is of German descent on his father's side and Scotch on his mother's. He is the youngest son, was raised on a farm, and received a good English education, making his own way. After teaching a time, and saving his money, he went into the mercantile business at Benton, Polk County, with a capital of about $700. Having been burned out he came to Cleveland in 1884, and has done a good business since. In 1876 he married Miss S. E. MILBURN, daughter of Rev. Jacob L. MILBURN. By her he had three children: Ney, Sudie and Leafa. His wife is a Cumberland Presbyterian. For two years he was county superintendent of Polk County. He is a Knight of Honor, and has held the highest office in the subordinate lodge. In politics he is a Democrat. He has done a good real estate business in which he has been very successful.